Environmental legal challenge against expansion of Gatwick

A legal challenge has been brought against plans to expand Gatwick Airport, Britain’s second-largest airport. Campaigners are opposing the project on climate change grounds. The case follows approval given in September by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander to allow Gatwick’s standby runway to be used as a fully operational second runway. The move is intended to increase flight numbers and support economic growth.

The campaign group Communities Against Gatwick Noise Emissions (CAGNE) says the approval failed to properly assess the impact the expansion would have on the UK’s climate change targets. Gatwick Airport is located around 30 miles (48 km) south of London.

The government has argued that the increasing use of sustainable aviation fuel means airport expansion can still align with its net-zero emissions goals. It has also backed new runway developments at Heathrow, the UK’s largest airport, as well as at Gatwick.

Airport expansion in south-east England has faced strong opposition for many years due to concerns over noise and pollution in densely populated areas. A previous plan to build a new runway at Heathrow was abandoned in 2010.

The Gatwick plans involve moving the existing backup runway by 12 metres (39 feet) to meet safety requirements, allowing both runways to operate. The expansion would allow millions of additional passengers to use the airport by the 2030s. It is expected to boost trade and tourism and create 14,000 jobs. CAGNE argues the impact on local communities would outweigh the economic benefits. A court decision is expected at a later date. Gatwick Airport is 50.01% owned by France’s VINCI Airports.