The expansion of Gatwick airport has moved one step closer after the transport secretary signalled her support for the plans – but only if they’re modified.
Heidi Alexander today said she was “minded to support” an adjusted plan for the airport to bring its emergency runway into everyday use.
The modified plan – which introduce controls over how many passengers travel to the airport by public transport and noise mitigation – has been put forward by the Planning Inspectorate.
Ms Alexander said that as the inspectorate had recommended the changes – the first time it has done so – she wanted to give more time for them to be considered.
She said: “I am issuing a minded to approve decision that provides some additional time to seek views from all parties on the provisions, prior to a final decision.
“The deadline for the final decision is now extended to 27 October 2025 (an extension of nine months).”
The move has been slammed by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) Sussex, which said it would worsen the growing climate crisis.
The charity also said a second runway at Gatwick will put pressure on local housing affordability at a time when neighbouring Crawley has already declared a housing emergency.
Director Paul Steedman said: “The second runway is bad economics, bad for local people, bad for the countryside and disastrous for efforts to fight climate change.
“We are hugely disappointed that the evidence-based arguments against this expansion, and the concerns of residents, look set to be ignored.
“However, despite this setback, we will continue to fight for the health of the Sussex countryside and its residents.”
However one of the unions representing airport workers welcomed the move. Declan MacIntyre, GMB Organiser said: “Today’s announcement from the Secretary of State clearing ‘a path’ to Gatwick Airport’s expansion is very welcome.
“Thousands of workers across the region depend on the airport for their jobs and livelihoods.
“GMB looks forward to working with Gatwick Airport Limited, and employers operating in Gatwick, to make sure high quality, unionised jobs are at the heart of the construction and operation of an expanded airport.”
