Today the Labour Government has indicated that it ‘is minded’ to approve a second runway at Gatwick, if the airport complies with requirements from ministers relating to public transport access and noise mitigation. This news was announced in a written statement to the House of Commons.
This is a significant development as a recent Planning Inspectorate report had recommended that Gatwick’s application be refused – but did leave the door open for approval - if the requirements cited above could be satisfied.
It has been reported that the Government has given Gatwick until April 24th to submit amended proposals. Speaking following the Secretary of State’s announcement Rebecca commented:
‘This is a hugely significant development for Reigate & Banstead. If the Labour Government does give the green light to Gatwick expansion, it is vital that the necessary infrastructure improvements and noise mitigations are put in place. My priority is ensuring that constituents are not negatively impacted by noise, and that the public transport and roads serving the airport can support the increased volume of passengers'.
Given the impact that expansion at Gatwick could have on constituents in Reigate, particularly the southern end of the constituency, Rebecca will be seeking a meeting with Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, in order to discuss in more detail the exact steps Gatwick will be expected to take on noise mitigation and transport – and get a clear understanding of how these will be monitored to ensure compliance.
Rebecca noted:
‘For some time now I have been calling for investment to increase passenger capacity at Reigate Station by lengthening the existing platform. This busy station, which is on the line direct to Gatwick, is regularly congested and in the event that the airport begins to serve millions more passengers each year, it is vital that adequate measures are put in place to ensure local public transport – and indeed our local roads – are not swamped and can adequately cope.'
The deadline for the final decision has now been set on October 27 and Rebecca will continue to follow developments closely and report back with key developments.
