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COUNTY COUNCIL SPELLS OUT HUGE 'ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT' OF GATWICK SECOND RUNWAY OPTION |
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Written by coder
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Thursday, 02 November 2006 |
West Sussex County Council has promised to maintain its opposition to a second runway for Gatwick when a 40-year legal agreement preventing one runs out in 2019
The pledge comes after the publication of an interim Master Plan for the airport published by BAA Gatwick, which includes an option for a new runway to open in 2023 or early in 2024.
Lieutenant Colonel Tex Pemberton, West Sussex Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: "The County Council has opposed a second runway at Gatwick since 1979, and that situation is unlikely to change.
"The very damaging impact on the environment is still the overwhelming reason why an additional runway is simply not an option.
"BAA has produced its Master Plan to comply with Government policies on aviation. We maintain these are flawed and that Gatwick can meet future demands with a single runway and its two terminals.
"The existing transport network in and around Gatwick is already under very severe pressure, and would certainly not be able to cope with a second runway without major improvements.
"There is no doubt that if this option became a reality it would cause massive environmental damage."
Henry Smith, Leader of the County Council, said he was 'deeply worried' about the environmental impact on a huge area of West Sussex if a second runway was ever built.
He said: "It was the County Council back in 1979 which had the foresight to negotiate the historic agreement that prevents a second runway before 2019.
"Only this week we have seen the publication of a major report on climate change that could have a major bearing on the future of air travel, and any future proposals for Gatwick must take this into account.
"The airport plays an important role in the economy of West Sussex, and we must continue to balance that against the need to protect the environment for our residents."
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 03 June 2007 )
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