The UK’s Gatwick Airport is seeking views and suggestions on its second runway options by inviting local communities to participate in a six week public consultation, which will begin on 4 April.
The consultation will provide additional information on the three options Gatwick proposed to the Airports Commission in its initial submission last July, while allowing people to convey their views on the options.
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Option one is a new runway 585m south of the existing runway, while option two is a new runway 1,045m south of the existing runway, with one runway used for landings and the other used for take-offs. option three is similar in layout to option two, but both runways would be used for landings and take-offs.
People will be able to give their feedback online via the airport website, in person at one of 16 public exhibitions, or by post.
London Gatwick CEO Stewart Wingate said: "The views of the local community are an essential element in shaping Gatwick’s second runway options.
"Therefore it is important we hear from as many people as possible through our consultation so that we can consider local opinions fully in our refined runway proposals."
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By GlobalDataAs part of the consultation, a letter will be sent to homes and businesses in Sussex, Kent and Surrey with details of the consultation and the list and timings of the public exhibitions.
Questions within the consultation will include a wide range of topics such as the major environmental, economic and social considerations.
The results of the consultation as well as any resulting options developments will be provided to the Airports Commission, which can evaluate them before it reports to the Government in mid 2015.
The Airports Commission published its interim report in December 2013, finding that there was a case for an additional runway in the South East of the UK, and shortlisting Gatwick as one of three options for where a new runway could be built.
Gatwick’s proposed 3.4 km runway, which could cost between £5 and £9 billion, would be built at the south of the existing airport, and be privately financed.
Image: Gatwick Airport’s two-runway plan. Photo: courtesy of Gatwick Airport Limited.
