Government issues ‘minded to approve’ notice as decision deadline extended
The Government has requested additional time to review Gatwick Airport’s proposal for a second runway.
Northern Runway plan includes new terminal buildings and transport enhancement
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said that she was “minded to approve” the plans but today formally extended the deadline for a decision until the end of October.
She explained that the nine-month delay is necessary to evaluate certain environmental adjustments to the airport’s expansion plans.
Previously the Planning Inspectorate had made recommendations around noise and public transport provision after initially rejecting the scheme.
“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,” Alexander said in a written ministerial statement on Tuesday.
The £2.2 bn project is privately financed, requiring no taxpayer money, and is shovel-ready.
The proposed plans would involve shifting the airport’s emergency northern runway sideways by 12 meters and upgrading it for regular short-haul use.
This change would allow for simultaneous operations on both runways while ensuring compliance with international safety standards.
Other aspects of the proposal include new buildings and extensions at both North and South Terminals.
Plans also include enhancements to airport access, improvements to surrounding highways, and additional environmental mitigation measures.
About The Author
