Residents against Gatwick’s potential second runway

Residents against Gatwick’s potential second runway

Gatwick, one of the largest airports in the country, have made proposals to expand their service even further, with plans to build a second runway currently in discussion. Set in Horley, this airport’s plans have generated a lot of controversy amongst residents of the nearby town who, according to a recent survey carried out by the Horley Town Council, are in fact opposed to this new development.

Of the 1,096 residents surveyed, only 34% were in favour of the second runway, with 56% set against it and 10% undecided. Though not overwhelming in their evidential proof of an opposition to the runway, the survey certainly shows a stance towards this notion.

These figures are not wholly surprising, with the most common complaints and reasons given against the development including increased noise pollution, as well as higher levels of traffic and road congestion; something Horley residents are clearly fearful of.

And rightly so, as one resident stated ‘noise pollution has already increased since flight paths were changed last year’ which can only lead those living in Horley to believe that a new runway, through increasing the number of flights, will also increase noise and traffic.

The attitudes of these nearby residents are understandable, though there are beneficial aspects that the expansion has to bring that, perhaps, have been overlooked by those opting to vote against the second runway.

However, they have certainly been recognised by the 34% of residents who were in favour of Gatwick’s expansion, with one respondent in the survey stating that the proposed second runway ‘is the key to Horley’s future economic vitality’.

Despite these possible benefits that could arise with this expansion at Gatwick airport, the overriding feeling amongst the residents of the neighbouring town are those of negativity and opposition.

Following these findings, Horley Town Council – the body who commissioned the survey – are therefore formally opposing any proposed expansion at the airport. Vice chairman Councillor Mike George spoke of the survey, stating that it was a ‘useful exercise, and the first time we have done it on this scale to my memory’.

Though recognising that there was not a clear allegiance to one side of the proposition – rather, strong opinions for both sides of the arguments, as well as noting that the figures were not overwhelming, George notes that he and his council had a duty to respect the results and the opinions of individual residents of the town.

The council and residents of Horley must now await the results of the propositions being discussed at Gatwick. Horley Town Council have issued the statement that they would ‘strive to achieve the best possible outcome for local residents with particular regard to infrastructure’, a plan they intend to keep to whatever the outcome.

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