Campaigners have lodged a fresh legal challenge against plans to expand Gatwick Airport, the UK's second-busiest airport, after the High Court upheld the project. The Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign (GACC) submitted papers to the Court of Appeal, seeking to overturn the decision despite two previous High Court rejections.
Expansion Details and Capacity Increase
The privately funded proposals involve shifting Gatwick's existing emergency runway 12 metres north to allow its routine use alongside the main runway for departures and arrivals. The scheme also includes terminal expansions and other infrastructure upgrades. This is expected to boost the airport's annual flight capacity from around 280,000 to 389,000 by the late 2030s.
Legal Arguments and Government Defence
GACC chairman Peter Barclay confirmed the appeal application, according to the BBC. The group, along with anti-noise campaign group Cagne, argued that the Government failed to properly assess the climate consequences of the expansion and that the approval process was unlawful. However, in last week's ruling, Mr Justice Mould concluded the development would not "materially impact" the Government's ability to meet its net zero commitments.
The Department for Transport and Gatwick Airport Limited defended the project during proceedings, with lawyers for the airport calling the case against it "unarguable". London Gatwick welcomed the judgment, describing it as a "victory for common sense".
Focus of the Appeal
Despite the setback, GACC said its appeal would focus on a "misinterpretation of government policy" and "fundamental flaws in Gatwick Airport's economic case". The group warned the expansion would have "disastrous impacts on the local community in terms of noise, pollution and traffic congestion and on the wider world in terms of significant contributions to carbon emissions".
Alice Goodenough, of Goodenough Ring Solicitors, representing Mr Barclay, said: "This case has far-reaching implications for government policy and the recently announced consultation on revisions to the Airports National Policy Statement. It is imperative that policy is properly understood and applied when reaching decisions on airport expansion, particularly given the impacts of large-scale expansion decisions, such as at Gatwick."
Industry and Expert Reactions
A spokesperson for London Gatwick said the airport acknowledged the latest appeal application and would "comment further when appropriate". Travel journalist Simon Calder described the project as "the first meaningful airport expansion in decades", adding: "Certainly for the economy of the Gatwick area, and for travellers in south east England, this is nothing but an overwhelming positive."
