SEVENTY planes could leave Gatwick Airport every hour if plans to use a backup runway for routine flights go ahead.
Planes that would affect parts of Waverley.
Officials recently announced that the airport plans to use its backup runway for regular departures and has unveiled a “master plan”.
Though the airport will not pursue the building of a third runway, it has said the Government will safeguard land previously earmarked for it.
Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate said the plans would
“incrementally grow” the airport to meet the demand for passengers.
He said:
“This would be the biggest private investment for the region in the coming years, which would result in significant local economic benefits including new jobs for the area.”
Head of corporate affairs Mark Lever tempered down fears of noise pollution saying,
“It’s important to remember aircraft will be quieter and cleaner by the time this runway is up and running.
“The flight paths won’t be any different for departures besides flying from a different runway.”
Airport officials hope to have a planning application finished by the first half of next year.
But Mr Leber predicted the backup runway would not operate until 2026 at the earliest if plans are approved.
A spokeswoman for Communities Against Gatwick Noise and Emissions branded the announcement…
“a second runway by stealth”.
She said:
“This announcement
by Gatwick management flies in the face of the Government’s pledge for ‘net zero’ CO2 emissions by 2050.
“This clearly illustrates Gatwick’s greed comes before everything and must now be seen as the neighbour from hell for all the communities of Surrey & Sussex that already find aircraft noise unbearable.
“It is totally disingenuous to the residents of Crawley to continue to safeguard land for a third runway when housing demand is high.”