Homeowners living in the shadow of Gatwick Airport are facing a devastating financial blow as government plans for a new third runway move forward. A compensation scheme, revealed this week, caps payouts at a maximum of £100,000—a figure many fear won't come close to covering their actual property losses.
A Cap That Doesn't Cover the Cost
The proposed scheme, designed to assist those whose homes become 'not reasonably capable of being lived in' due to extreme noise pollution from the expanded airport, has been met with anger and disbelief. Residents argue that the £100,000 limit is woefully inadequate in the South East's expensive property market, where average house prices far exceed this amount.
Quiet Enjoyment Shattered by Jet Engines
The heart of the issue lies in the government's new definition of 'aircraft noise'. Under the plan, homes experiencing noise levels above a certain threshold will be deemed 'not reasonably capable of being lived in'. This technical classification could render hundreds of properties practically worthless on the open market, trapping residents with assets they cannot sell.
'This isn't compensation, it's confiscation,' one local campaigner was quoted as saying. 'The government is effectively writing off our homes, our largest investments, with a arbitrary figure that doesn't reflect reality.'
Gatwick's Growth vs. Community Sacrifice
The controversy erupts as Gatwick pushes ahead with its ambition to transform into a two-runway airport, aiming to significantly boost its passenger capacity. While the airport promises economic benefits and job creation for the region, nearby communities feel they are being asked to bear an unreasonable cost.
The Department for Transport (DfT) maintains the scheme is fair, but has faced immediate calls to review the compensation cap. MPs, local councils, and resident action groups are now uniting to demand a more realistic offer that reflects true market values and protects people from financial ruin.
What Happens Next?
The battle lines are drawn. With the consultation process ongoing, pressure is mounting on policymakers to listen to the communities whose lives and livelihoods stand to be profoundly altered by the roar of jet engines. The fight over Gatwick's third runway is no longer just about infrastructure; it's about justice and fair treatment for the homeowners caught in its path.
