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| MPs call for delay to Gatwick Airport expansion decision | |
| (14 days later) | |
| A group of MPs argue that a "lack of proper" noise monitoring makes a decision on expansion impossible | A group of MPs argue that a "lack of proper" noise monitoring makes a decision on expansion impossible |
| A group of MPs have called on the government to delay the decision on expanding Gatwick Airport until current noise levels are monitored adequately at the site. | A group of MPs have called on the government to delay the decision on expanding Gatwick Airport until current noise levels are monitored adequately at the site. |
| The airport submitted a development consent order in 2023 to bring its northern runway, normally a taxiway, into regular use for routine flights. A final decision is expected by 27 February. | The airport submitted a development consent order in 2023 to bring its northern runway, normally a taxiway, into regular use for routine flights. A final decision is expected by 27 February. |
| Five MPs from Sussex, Surrey and Kent have asked transport secretary Heidi Alexander to delay that decision until the "true impact of noise" that the airport currently makes is understood. | Five MPs from Sussex, Surrey and Kent have asked transport secretary Heidi Alexander to delay that decision until the "true impact of noise" that the airport currently makes is understood. |
| A spokesperson for Gatwick said the airport has a "network of state-of-the-art noise monitors" which provide "comprehensive coverage". | A spokesperson for Gatwick said the airport has a "network of state-of-the-art noise monitors" which provide "comprehensive coverage". |
| Mike Martin and Tom Tugendhat, MPs for Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge respectively, have signed the letter, alongside Dorking and Horley's MP Chris Coghlan. | Mike Martin and Tom Tugendhat, MPs for Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge respectively, have signed the letter, alongside Dorking and Horley's MP Chris Coghlan. |
| Mid Sussex MP Alison Bennett and Horsham's John Milne have also added their names. | Mid Sussex MP Alison Bennett and Horsham's John Milne have also added their names. |
| They claim that an "informed decision" on the Northern Runway Project cannot be made until adequate monitoring is put in place. | They claim that an "informed decision" on the Northern Runway Project cannot be made until adequate monitoring is put in place. |
| "In most of our constituencies there is only one active noise monitor and in some there is no noise monitoring at all," the letter reads. | "In most of our constituencies there is only one active noise monitor and in some there is no noise monitoring at all," the letter reads. |
| "The little monitoring which is taking place paints a worrying picture." | "The little monitoring which is taking place paints a worrying picture." |
| 'Comprehensive coverage' | 'Comprehensive coverage' |
| The airport has outlined a noise reduction scheme for local residents as part of expansion plans it claims would double capacity to 78 million passengers. | The airport has outlined a noise reduction scheme for local residents as part of expansion plans it claims would double capacity to 78 million passengers. |
| A spokesperson for Gatwick said: "The London Gatwick noise footprint has reduced by around a third in the last 20 years. | A spokesperson for Gatwick said: "The London Gatwick noise footprint has reduced by around a third in the last 20 years. |
| "We have a network of state-of-the-art noise monitors located in a large area surrounding the airport to ensure comprehensive coverage." | "We have a network of state-of-the-art noise monitors located in a large area surrounding the airport to ensure comprehensive coverage." |
| Local communities, councils, and environment groups are involved with the noise monitoring process, the airport says. | Local communities, councils, and environment groups are involved with the noise monitoring process, the airport says. |
| A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said all expansion proposals must be "compatible with environmental commitments, and strict standards on air quality and noise pollution". | A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said all expansion proposals must be "compatible with environmental commitments, and strict standards on air quality and noise pollution". |
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