Gatwick ‘optimistic' minister will approve expansion plan
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has a deadline of October 27 to decide whether to give the go-ahead to the proposal.
Gatwick submitted a modified development consent order (DCO) application after the Cabinet minister announced in February she would back the scheme if adjustments were made, covering issues such as noise mitigation and the proportion of passengers who would travel to and from the airport by public transport.
The project would see Gatwick move the emergency runway 12 metres north, enabling it to be used for departures of narrow-bodied planes such as Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s.
This would increase the airport's capacity by around 100,000 flights a year.
Gatwick's plan also involves remodelling and replacing existing taxiways – which connect runways to terminals, hangars and other facilities – extending both terminals, and installing new aircraft gates.
Local campaigners opposed to expansion are concerned about the impact on surface transport, noise, housing provision and wastewater treatment, but the airport insists it has conducted 'full and thorough assessments' of those issues.
Mr Wingate said: 'The critical final decision on our northern runway plans is just weeks away and follows a rigorous and lengthy planning process.
'I remain optimistic the Secretary of State will approve our privately-financed, shovel-ready plans to unlock further growth for London Gatwick and the UK economy, generating new jobs, trade and tourism opportunities for generations to come.'
Gatwick says its plans would create £1 billion per year in economic benefits and generate an additional 14,000 jobs.
Mr Wingate will start his new role as managing director for UK airports for Vinci Airports and Global Infrastructure Partners on September 1, overseeing the future development and strategic direction of Gatwick, Edinburgh and Belfast International airports.
His replacement at Gatwick will be Pierre-Hugues Schmit, currently Vinci Airports's chief commercial officer.
Gatwick announced on Thursday its underlying earnings for the first six months of the year were £262 million.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Press and Journal
2 hours ago
- Press and Journal
Debate: Will approved tourist tax boost Aberdeen economy or turn visitors away?
Aberdeen has become the latest city to approve a visitor levy and could see it introduced in less than two years time. Aberdeen City Council backed the introduction of a tourist tax, which would mean visitors will pay an extra 7% charge on top of their hotel's nightly rate. It will cost tourists £4.90 a night based on the average room costing around £70. The newly-approved Aberdeen levy is the highest of its kind in the UK, ahead of the 5% approved for Glasgow and Edinburgh. So, why has it been approved? Well, local Scottish authorities were given powers to introduce a visitor levy in September last year. And council officers argue it would help Aberdeen become a 'leading visitor destination'. They also believe it will allow the Granite City to compete with others around the world. It is estimated the new charge could generate up to £6.8 million a year for the city. Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce chief executive Russell Borthwick said members are in support of the council's decision. But he also made it clear it's 'vital that the revenues raised are used directly on tourism'. VisitAberdeenshire and Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels Association are also in favour of the move. But there have been some concerns from groups like the Federation of Small Businesses, which has called for the council to assess the impact of its plans. Our readers have also been sharing their views, with a number of opinions on the tourist tax and if it adds value to the city's economy. Some have questioned the levy, saying tourists are already 'ripped off' when they come to Scotland. Others don't believe the £70 a night average is a true figure. So, will the approved tourist tax be an asset to Aberdeen, or will tourists turn away from a trip to the north-east? What do you think?
BBC News
2 hours ago
- BBC News
Blackpool's Winter Gardens centre 'cornerstone to economic boost'
Corporate events have already generated over £3m in economic benefit for Blackpool this year - exceeding an annual target of £2.2m seven months ahead of schedule, the town's conference tourism team has Winter Gardens £30m Conference and Exhibition Centre, which opened in March 2022, has "proved a cornerstone" to the boost, Meet Blackpool has attracted new conferences to the resort including Beaverbrooks, the National Union of Journalists and the Communication Workers Blackpool said by 2028, the investment was "on track to pay for itself" in economic benefit from corporate events. 'Credible destination' The Winter Gardens centre offered a combined capacity of 7,000 delegates across 12 interlinked event spaces, including the Empress Ballroom, Opera House, and Spanish Hall. It was officially opened by then prime minister Boris Johnson, when it hosted a Conservative party has more than £5m worth of booking enquires and confirmations lined up into 2027 and was expected to be bringing over £10m per year to the town, Meet Blackpool head, Julie Vincent, said: "Surpassing our annual target with several months to go reflects not just the hard work of our hospitality partners, but the confidence event organisers have in Blackpool as a credible, high-impact destination. "From major conferences and exhibitions to corporate team away days, the town is proving it can deliver delegate experiences that are both outstanding and unforgettable." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
BBC News
2 hours ago
- BBC News
Southsea Food festival brought in more than £1.5m, survey says
A food festival has generated £1.52m for the local economy, a study has Food Festival 2025 was a two-day event organised by Portsmouth City Council and drew a record-breaking 63,400 half of those surveyed said they came "specifically for the festival", and 38% reported plans to "return to support local businesses" following their of Portsmouth City Council Steve Pitt said: "We're proud to see Southsea shine as a destination for food lovers from across the region." This year's event featured a new Kitchen Stage with chefs and restaurateurs from local included Smoke and Mirrors, The Briny, and Natty's, who put on live cooking total 80 businesses took part in the event, which was held across Palmerston Road precinct, Avenue De Caen, and surrounding high feedback from traders and visitors was "overwhelmingly positive", the survey said, with 92% of traders and 94% of visitors rating the festival as good or Pitt said: "The £1.5m boost to our economy shows just how valuable events like this are—not just for traders, but for the wider business community." You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
