Thumbs-up for Gatwick plans

A final masterplan for the future of Gatwick was published by the airport last week after two-thirds of respondents to a public consultation on the project said they backed its intention to build capacity by making best use of existing runways.

Officials said the airport was no longer actively pursuing plans for an additional runway but would now prepare a planning application to bring the airport’s standby runway into routine use, with a further public consultation as part of it.

The final masterplan sets out how Gatwick could develop to meet demand in the most sustainable way over the next 15 years. The additional capacity would also deliver enhanced operational performance, a statement added.

Features include using new technology to build capacity and resilience on the main runway, and bringing the existing standby runway into routine use for departures alongside the main runway by the mid-2020s.

The airport is also recommending national and local planning policy continuing to safeguard land, as it has been since 2003, should a new runway be required in the longer term.

CEO Stewart Wingate said: “We are grateful to the thousands of people that responded to our consultation and whose views will continue to help to shape our plans. We are encouraged public consultation has shown strong support for Gatwick and the local area’s ambitions.”

www.gatwickairport.com/masterplan

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