Gatwick Airport's £2.2 billion expansion plans have been cleared after a High Court judge dismissed two legal challenges brought by activist groups. The ruling marks a major milestone for the UK's second-largest airport, which will see an existing emergency runway transformed into a fully operational strip for smaller aircraft.
Mr Justice Mould ruled that the government's assessment of the project's environmental and climate impact was "lawful and reasonable". He rejected claims from local opposition groups, including Communities Against Gatwick Noise Emissions (CAGNE), that the transport secretary had failed to outline adequate funding for essential infrastructure improvements. Campaigners argued that a £1 billion boost to the economy every year would come at the cost of increased noise pollution and detrimental air quality for residents in surrounding areas.
Despite these objections, the judge dismissed both claims for a judicial review, clearing a major hurdle for the multi-billion-pound development. Gatwick Airport welcomed the judgment as "a victory for common sense", highlighting anticipated benefits including 14,000 new jobs and £1 billion added to the economy annually. The Department for Transport echoed this sentiment, emphasising the project's balance between environmental commitments and economic advantages.
The expansion will see the emergency runway shifted 12 metres north to accommodate full-time use by 2029. Initially rejected due to noise concerns, revised plans included measures such as funding for residents' triple glazing and public transport improvements. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander approved the project last autumn.
CAGNE has indicated it is considering an appeal, reiterating concerns about increased noise pollution, air quality, and CO2 emissions for local communities in Sussex, Surrey, and Kent.