Public transport requirement for runway project

LONDON - British Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander is "minded to grant consent” for the Northern Runway planning application at London Gatwick Airport subject to certain conditions. The airport will accept stricter limits on aircraft noise in return for Government approval - and a public transport requirement.

The northern runway at Gatwick Airport is desginated as a taxiway officially - it only handels take-offs and landings when the main runway is out of use. Gatwick wants to change this.

"Our planning application proposes repositioning the centre line of the Northern Runway 12 metres north to allow dual runway operations, aligning with international safety standards", the airport said. "Construction could start in 2025 and be completed and ready for operational use by the end of the decade."

British Government signalled approval in a letter signed by Secretary of State for Transport - with strings attached. "In its response London Gatwick has stated it will accept stricter limits on aircraft noise and has put forward an improved noise insulation scheme for local residents," the airport said.

London Gatwick has also accepted a requirement to have 54 percent of passengers using public transport prior to bringing the Northern Runway into operation and has reiterated the need for third parties, including the Department for Transport, to support delivery of the necessary conditions and improvements required to meet this target.

"This would include, for example, reinstating the full Gatwick Express train service", the airport said. "Given the reliance on other parties to achieve this 54 percent target, should it not be achieved then London Gatwick has also proposed an alternative cars-on-the-road limit to be met before first use of the Northern Runway to address concerns about possible road congestion."

If neither the 54 percent transport mode share or the cars-on-the-road limit are met, then use of the Northern Runway would be delayed until £350m of road improvements have been completed. This would make sure any additional road traffic flows can be accommodated and any congestion avoided.