Eastbourne councillors seek more environmental evidence on Gatwick Airport's Northern Runway plans

By Huw Oxburgh, local democracy reporter
Published 22nd Jul 2022, 12:00 BST
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Eastbourne councillors are to seek further information on the environmental impact of a second runway at Gatwick Airport.

On Wednesday (July 20), Eastbourne Borough Council debated a motion from Conservative group leader Robert Smart, which called on the authority to reaffirm its support for opening the airport’s emergency runway full time.

The council had previously expressed support for a second runway back in 2013.

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Cllr Smart said: “The South East of England must remain internationally competitive, with adequate infrastructure and connectivity. Eastbourne has great opportunities with such connectivities provided; it enhances its international tourism offer and particularly its conference sector with the Welcome Building.

A plane at Gatwick (Pic by S Robards)A plane at Gatwick (Pic by S Robards)
A plane at Gatwick (Pic by S Robards)

“Clearly there needs to be a balance between the economy and the environment. The aviation sector has made huge technological strides on the environment. The aircraft are much less noisy, but on carbon they continue to improve.

“Gatwick Airport itself was the first London airport to be carbon neutral in 2017, excluding aircraft fuel. It is committed to being carbon neutral including fuel by 2040 — ten years ahead of the national target.”