London’s Gatwick airport has received provisional backing from the government to convert its northern runway – currently used only for taxiing aircraft – into a fully operational runway, but the deadline for a final decision has been pushed back to 27 October.
The secretary of state for transport, Heidi Alexander, said in a written ministerial statement: “I am
issuing a minded to approve decision that provides some additional time
to seek views from all parties on the provisions, prior to a final
decision.”
She added: “The decision to set a new deadline is without prejudice to the decision
on whether to give development consent for the above application.”
The airport has until 24 April to provide details on noise mitigation measures and improved access via public transport.
Gatwick CEO Stewart Wingate said: “We
welcome today’s announcement that the secretary of state for transport
is minded to approve our Northern Runway plans and has outlined a clear
pathway to full approval later in the year.
“It is vital that any planning conditions attached to the final
approval enable us to make a decision to invest £2.2bn in this project
and realise the full benefits of bringing the Northern Runway into
routine use. We will of course engage fully in the extended process for a final decision.”
Europe's busiest single-runway airport currently serves more than 40
million passengers per year but with the conversion of its northern
runway could serve up to 75 million annually by the late 2030s.
Gatwick in its planning proposals said a second runway could deliver 14,000 jobs and generate £1 billion per year for the regional economy. The northern runway would need to be moved 12 metres further north to meet the necessary safety standard of 210 metres between two runways, and could be in routine operation by the turn of the decade. The project will be funded by £2.2 billion of private investment.
In January, Chancellor Rachel Reeves gave backing to London Heathrow for the addition of a third runway in a development project on a considerably larger and longer scale.
Speaking at an Airlines UK event earlier this week, Heidi Alexander, said: “We will do all we can to support the [aviation] sector and take the brakes off growth” but noted that airport expansion must meet climate and air quality obligations and minimise noise and disruption to local communities.
“This government believes in increasing airport capacity. We’re ambitious for the sector, but these strict criteria must be met if we are to balance the needs of today with the necessities of tomorrow,” said Alexander.
“I believe it is incumbent on all those in public life to give businesses the tools for success and increase opportunities for people to improve their lot. That means more passengers and freight in the air, not less. But I am equally clear that this must also mean less carbon, not more,” added Alexander, stressing the importance of alternative aviation fuels and the government’s commitment to a SAF mandate.