Eastbourne MP Caroline Ansell has written to the planning inquiry in support of plans to put Gatwick’s emergency runway into full commercial use.
Caroline has been a supportive of expansion plans and figures show it could be worth more than £1 billion to the South East economy and generate 14,000 jobs as well as doubling capacity at the airport
In East Sussex alone, the Northern Runway Project, could mean 1,300 new roles created in the county and an additional £89m to the county’s economy.
In her letter to the inquiry, Caroline said the airport’s owners had shown leadership in the aviation sector by announcing that it will be net zero for its direct and indirect emissions by 2030.
It also has plans to minimise the carbon impact of the project, through its Carbon Action Plan and the noise impact through its legally binding noise envelope after taking onboard residents’ concerns about noise and pollution.
She said the second runway would be a boost to tourism in East Sussex and increase choice for passengers.
“There is also a national interest in resolving the issue of capacity and delays in the London aviation system,” she explained.
The MP then added: “As we transition to a decarbonised economy, we must make sensible choices on infrastructure projects. We must balance the economic case against the environmental impact, and I am of the view that this project is in the long-term interest of my constituents and of the country.
I urge the Examining Authority to recognise the economic benefits of the project and the suite of environmental measures proposed and recommend the project for approval.”
The planning inquiry is set to continue until August.
