Gatwick Airport has pledged to deliver a second runway despite the government’s to build a new runway at Heathrow, which has been labelled ‘calamitous’ for Croydon.
Prime Minister Theresa May and a Cabinet sub-committee backed the £16bn expansion, yesterday (Tuesday) after debating the options. They were a third runway at Heathrow, a second at Gatwick and the rival Heathrow Hub plan.
Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate, said: “We are disappointed as we do not believe this is the right answer for Britain. Gatwick has put forward a credible financable and deliverable plan for expansion.
“It is a plan that can guarantee growth and guarantee certainty for Britain. We look forward to studying the full reasons behind the Government decision in detail.
“The challenges facing Heathrow have not changed. Our message today is that Gatwick stands ready to proceed when the time comes.”
Gatwick said earlier this month it would press ahead with a second runway regardless of the Government’s announcement. Airport bosses would need to seek planning permission from the local authority, West Sussex County Council.
However, Develop Croydon Forum chairman Richard Plant says the government’s decision is wrong for the region.
“It’s very disappointing,” he said. “We at Develop Croydon understand how long development can take and how important deliverability is.
“We also understand how beneficial new development of good design and progress can be.
“The main point about Gatwick is that it was deliverable in the short term. I have no doubt that Gatwick will have its second runway eventually but we need it now.
“A massive opportunity to benefit the entire region has been missed. I don’t know yet what opportunity there is for the correct decision to still be made.”
Politicians from across the political spectrum have condemned the decision.
Councillor Tony Newman, leader of Croydon Council, said: “This is a calamitous decision. It’s clear whatever side of the argument you are on, the only option that can realistically deliver is Gatwick.
“Heathrow will be mired in consultations and judicial reviews for decades to come and will never happen.
“All of our neighbouring councils regardless of political party, are against this decision. Gatwick’s expansion could have meant economic growth, jobs and skills for Croydon and south London.
“As leader of Croydon Council I am determined to ensure the fight goes on to secure the best for Croydon residents and businesses.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is considering a legal challenge.
“Heathrow expansion is the wrong decision for London, and the wrong decision for the whole of Britain,” he said.
“The government are running roughshod over Londoners’ views – just five months ago I was elected as Mayor on a clear platform of opposing a new runway at Heathrow, a position that was shared by the Conservative, Liberal Democrat, Green and UKIP candidates in that election.
“A new runway at Heathrow will be devastating for air quality across London – air pollution around the airport is already above legal levels of NO2.”
He added: An expanded Gatwick would have boosted our economy without causing these huge air and noise pollution problems and it could be built quicker and cheaper.
“I will continue to challenge this decision and I am exploring how I can best be involved in any legal process over the coming months.”
London Assembly’s Conservative member for Croydon and Sutton, Steve O’Connell, added: “This is an extremely disappointing announcement and one that I fail to understand given the environmental and economic concerns posed by Heathrow’s bid.
“The government has failed to recognise the opportunities that south London offers and the benefits Gatwick could provide to the whole of London.
“Those of us who have fought hard for Gatwick will now have to take stock and assess our options. We will have an opportunity to voice our disagreement in the upcoming public consultation and I will be lobbying hard for the government to reconsider.”
Last year, the Davies Commission estimated a third runway could boost the economy by £147 billion and would generate between 59,000 and 79,000 jobs around London. It is backed by around two-thirds of MPs nationally.
A final decision will not be taken for a year to allow for consultation and a parliamentary vote.
However, former London mayor and foreign secretary Boris Johnson has vowed to continue opposing the Heathrow plan and while Zac Goldsmith is resigning as a Conservative MP and forcing a by-election in the Richmond Park constituency in protests at the decision.
Four Tory councils, including Mrs May’s own local authority of Windsor and Maidenhead, announced legal actions over the issue of air pollution.
Croydon was in line for huge economic benefits if Gatwick got the go-ahead with a Memorandum of Understanding having been signed pledging new homes, employment opportunities and a key place for the borough in the airport’s supply chain.