Gatwick Airport accepts ‘stricter’ limits on noise for enlargement | EUROtoday

Gatwick Airport has mentioned it is going to settle for stricter limits on plane noise and has put ahead what it referred to as improved plans in response to the federal government’s approval for a second runway.

Last month Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander mentioned that she was “minded” to present consent for the airport to convey its second runway into use.

Gatwick has now responded to the Secretary of State’s letter with what it referred to as an “improved noise scheme for local residents.”

The airport additionally mentioned it accepts a requirement to have 54% of passengers utilizing public transport earlier than it brings the Northern Runway into operation – nevertheless it wants assist.

Gatwick mentioned it wants assist from third events, together with the Department for Transport, to assist supply of the circumstances and enhancements required to fulfill the goal.

This would come with reinstating the complete Gatwick Express practice service, the airport mentioned.

It additionally mentioned if the 54% public transport goal isn’t achieved then another cars-on-the-road restrict must be met as a substitute.

If neither the general public transport mode share or the cars-on-the-road restrict are met, then the second runway can be delayed till £350m of highway enhancements have been accomplished, it mentioned.

The airport has additionally responded to the Secretary of State on a lot of different issues together with measures to strengthen sustainable design and scale back emissions.

Stewart Wingate, CEO of London Gatwick mentioned: “This project represents a £2.2bn 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 assured that our amended proposals will enable us to develop sustainably and meet passenger demand, whereas addressing the issues raised by the Secretary of State in her letter, together with noise and environmental impacts.”

The Secretary of State is predicted to make a closing determination by 27 October.