Gatwick Airport has published its Final Master Plan, which confirms plans to take forward the sustainable development of the airport.
In October 2018, the Draft Master Plan consultation set out three scenarios for future growth:
1. Using new technology to build capacity and resilience on the main runway;
2. Bringing the existing standby runway into routine use for departures only alongside the main runway by the mid-2020s;
3. Recommending planning policy continues to safeguard land for an additional runway.
More than 5,000 responses were received during the 12-week public consultation with two-thirds (66%) of respondents supporting the principle of growing Gatwick by making best use of existing runways, in line with Government policy.
As a result, plans to introduce new technology to build capacity and resilience on the main runway will progress. Gatwick will also prepare a planning application to bring the standby runway into routine use.
The proposals for the standby runway will deliver additional capacity at the airport to balance operational resilience and sustainable growth. As one of the biggest private investments in the region, the scheme will deliver greater connectivity, a better passenger experience through greater competition, and an economic boost that secures jobs and opportunities for generations to come. These benefits can all will be delivered while keeping the airport’s noise footprint broadly similar to today’s levels, and with minimal disruption to our neighbours and the environment.
The consultation report provides extensive feedback on the consultation and will help shape plans as the airport prepares a Development Consent Order (DCO) – a rigorous planning process that will include further engagement and public consultation next year and culminates in a final decision by the Secretary of State. Gatwick will now carry out a number of detailed studies to assess the impacts and benefits of the proposals before consulting the public again next year.
Gatwick are also recommending that national and local planning policy continues to safeguard the land that would be required for a new runway, should it be required in the longer-term. However, it is no longer actively pursuing plans for an additional runway.
Further information on the plans is available at www.gatwickairport.com/futureplans.
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