Campaigners against the £2.2 billion Gatwick expansion have been dealt a significant blow after a High Court judge backed the government's approval of the project. The ruling has left groups vowing to fight on, with an appeal potentially on the horizon.
The court dismissed challenges from anti-noise group Cagne and campaigner Peter Barclay, who argued that Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander had not fully assessed the climate impact of the expansion. Mr Justice Mould's judgment concluded that the scheme would not hinder the government's efforts to meet its net-zero targets, a claim welcomed by London Gatwick as 'a victory for common sense'.
The approved plan involves moving Gatwick's emergency runway 12 metres north to accommodate two-runway operations, set to increase capacity from 280,000 flights annually to nearly 389,000 by the late 2030s. This expansion is seen as a significant boost for the local economy and travellers in the South East.
The judge also rejected concerns about the necessity of the expansion, given Gatwick's proximity to Heathrow. The Department for Transport had argued that the West Sussex airport would primarily serve as a leisure hub, with passenger numbers expected to grow. Mr Justice Mould found that Ms Alexander had weighed up both the need for and the socio-economic effects of the development, concluding her decisions were 'rational' and supported by solid reasons.
Cagne has vowed not to accept the court's decision as final, with its legal team exploring an appeal. The group will continue to raise concerns over funding for infrastructure, noise, air quality, and emissions, issues shared by communities across Kent, Surrey, and Sussex. Horsham MP John Milne expressed disappointment, questioning whether the expansion could align with the government's environmental targets.