The Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has set out a path to approving Gatwick Airport extension after the planning inspectorate refused the application.
West Sussex’s Planning Inspectorate refused the application to allow the emergency runaway to be used for daily use.
The Planning Inspectorate said that if Alexander should give project the green light if adjustments are made to mitigate noise and issues over how many passengers will travel to and from the airport using public transport.
A Government source told the PA news agency, “The Transport Secretary has set out a path to approving the expansion of Gatwick today following the Planning Inspectorate’s recommendation to refuse the original application.
“This is an important step forward and demonstrates that this Government will stop at nothing to deliver economic growth and new infrastructure as part of our Plan for Change.
“Expansion will bring huge benefits for business and represents a victory for holidaymakers. We want to deliver this opportunity in line with our legal, environmental and climate obligations.
“We look forward to Gatwick’s response as they have indicated planes could take off from a new runway before the end of this Parliament.”
Gatwick Airport’s project will see the emergency runway being moved 12 metres north allowing for narrow planes such as the Airbus A320s and Bowing 737s to be allowed to take off, the project will also be privately financed.
Gatwick Airport has said the proposed extension will create 14,000 jobs and provide £1 billion per annum in economic benefits.
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