CPRE Sussex continues opposition to Gatwick Airport second runway

A second runway is outside the scope of the government’s policy on ‘Making Best Use’ of existing facilities, and against the main thrust of the Airports National Policy Statement to focus new runway airport expansion at Heathrow.

There would be unacceptable impacts on the environment in which people live (climate change, noise and air quality considerations) and the wider natural environment (through climate change and impacts on tranquillity and dark skies – these last two particularly relevant to National Landscapes). Passenger-related issues including road and rail access and sewage treatment  remain unresolved.

The Examining Authority set out Requirements to make the original unacceptable proposal just about acceptable in the eyes of the Secretary of State for Transport. The Requirements themselves are however inadequate, failing to address the impact of aircraft emissions on climate change. This is a key issue for many people and measures to limit emissions should be in the Requirements.

We invite the Secretary of State to reject the application for any new runway at Gatwick Airport because of the unacceptable impacts, unresolved issues and the applicant’s unwillingness to meet even the inadequate Requirements set out by the Examining Authority.

Read: Northern Runway response for June 2025 deadline