Gatwick runway decision delayed but minister ‘minded to approve’

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander MP has extended the deadline for a decision on Gatwick’s second runway while noting she is “minded to approve” the plans.

The airport has drawn up £2.2 billion plans to bring its standby second runway into regular use, with the government originally having a decision deadline of February 27.

In a written statement to parliament, Alexander said the deadline for a final decision was being pushed back nine months to October 27 to allow additional time to seek more details from all parties.

She wrote: “This statement confirms that today I have issued a ‘minded to approve’ letter for the Gatwick Airport Northern Runway Development Consent Order (DCO) under the Planning Act 2008.

“Given the examining authority’s report, for the first time, recommends an alternative DCO which includes a range of controls on the operation of the scheme and not all the provisions have been considered during the examination, 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 October 27 2025 (an extension of nine months). The decision to set a new deadline is without prejudice to the decision on whether to give development consent for the above application.”

Stewart Wingate, chief executive at Gatwick, said: “We welcome today’s announcement that the Secretary of State for Transport is minded to approve our Northern Runway plans and has outlined a clear pathway to full approval later in the year.

“It is vital that any planning conditions attached to the final approval enable us to make a decision to invest £2.2 billion in this project and realise the full benefits of bringing the Northern Runway into routine use.

“We will of course engage fully in the extended process for a final decision.

“We stand ready to deliver this project which will create 14,000 jobs and generate £1 billion a year in economic benefits.

“By increasing resilience and capacity we can support the UK’s position as a leader in global connectivity and deliver substantial trade and economic growth in the southeast and more broadly.

“We have also outlined to government how we plan to grow responsibly to meet increasing passenger demand, while minimising noise and environmental impacts.”

Tourism Alliance executive director Richard Toomer said: “We welcome the transport secretary’s announcement that she is minded to approve the scheme subject to further consultation with stakeholders.

“A final decision to approve the plan – after what will have been a long and extensive process – would ensure that Gatwick can grow sustainably, deliver more economic growth for the region and the nation, and help the government deliver its tourism growth ambitions. We hope that final decision is made quickly and positively.

Trade union Unite, which represents 7,000 workers at the airport, welcomed the potential expansion, though general secretary Sharon Graham said any approval would have to “come with guarantees of well paid, unionised jobs and proper facilities for workers”.

Unite regional coordinating officer Dominic Rothwell said: “The expansion of Gatwick is good news for the airport’s workers and for jobs in the local community. However, it must include investment in staff facilities.”

Anti-aircraft noise campaign group Cagne said it was pleased with the decision deadline being extended, claiming Alexander had “obviously recognised the many holes in the Gatwick submissions during the planning hearings”.

The group added: “Cagne does not believe Gatwick has been totally upfront with its submissions, and the planning hearings left so many questions unanswered.

“Cagne will therefore, with our team of legal and qualified experts, seek to work with the Secretary of State for Transport to restrict growth to reflect the lack of infrastructure and funding being offered by this airport.

“We will continue to hold Gatwick’s feet to the fire to ensure the local communities of Sussex, Surrey and Kent do not pay for this burden as well as the planet.”