London Gatwick Airport has promised to accept “stricter limits” on aircraft noise if it is allowed to make its northern runway fully operational.
The UK government said in February that it was “minded” to approve Gatwick’s application to fully utilise the runway, which is currently used only for taxiing aircraft.
But a final decision has been delayed by transport secretary Heidi Alexander until 27 October to “seek views from all parties” on key issues, such as aircraft noise and increasing the percentage of passengers using public transport to get to the airport.
Gatwick has now submitted a formal response promising to accept “stricter limits on aircraft noise” and put forward an “improved noise insulation scheme” for nearby residents.
The airport has also accepted a requirement to have at least 54 per cent of passengers using public transport to reach Gatwick before the Northern Runway can be brought into operation.
Although the airport added that hitting this target would require support from the government and other third parties, including reinstating the full Gatwick Express train service from central London.
Stewart Wingate, CEO of London Gatwick, added: “This project represents a £2.2 billion investment, fully funded by our shareholders and it is essential that any planning conditions enable us to make full use of the Northern Runway.
“We are confident that our amended proposals will allow us to grow sustainably and meet passenger demand, while addressing the matters raised by the secretary of state [Alexander] in her letter, including noise and environmental impacts. We look forward to receiving the secretary of state’s final decision later this year."