Gatwick Airport warns authorities over residence shopping for scheme

Gatwick Airport has warned the Government that its plans to construct further runways might be ineffective whether it is pressured to purchase 4,400 properties affected by airplane noise.

The airport has outlined noise discount plans for native residents as a part of its enlargement plansBut it might be pressured to supply relocation prices if native planners reject it.

A neighborhood motion group that’s in opposition to the challenge informed the BBC that the airport ought to have put aside cash to purchase the property.

The airport mentioned it had offered a “strong and compelling case” for lowering impacts on air high quality, noise and emissions.

Gatwick's house owners have despatched a letter to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander arguing that the house buy measure is unfair.

It mentioned: “As drafted this is a major departure from the national noise policy and, if implemented, would seriously raise questions about whether the project could be investable or financeable.”

Liz Lockwood, an impartial councilor on Tandridge District Council and campaigner for the Communities Against Gatwick Noise and Emissions motion group, mentioned: “I don't feel sorry for Gatwick at all in this regard.

“I think it's fair to expect them to put a hand in their own pocket to pay for the results of their own application.”

Aircraft noise expert Ed Clark told the BBC: “It may well be that the local planning authority could put Gatwick in a position where it is incredibly expensive to buy a load of properties within an area that is actually Not exposed to very high levels of aircraft noise.”

However, the acoustic consultant says it is unlikely that Gatwick will be forced to buy thousands of properties, and only a “modest” number of homes will be eligible.

Gatwick is proposing a much cheaper scheme to fund up to £26,000 for replacement glazing and noise insulation per home within a 23-mile strip stretching between West Sussex, Surrey and Kent.

Non-residential buildings can get jobs worth up to a quarter of a million pounds.

The airport said in a statement: “We have put forward a strong and compelling case – carefully minimizing impacts on air quality, noise and emissions.

“For example, our proposed noise insulation scheme exceeds UK airport standards and government policy requirements.”

A Department for Transport spokesperson mentioned: “As this is a live application which will be determined by the department, it would not be appropriate to comment.”

The Government has till February 27 to disclose its resolution relating to Gatwick Airport's planning utility.