Council opposes Second Runway
- Concerns Raised about impact of expansion on town including noise, traffic and housing
- Council leadership warn of loss of jobs and economic benefits if bid fails
- 25 votes to 11 against building of a second runway
28th January 2015 – Crawley Observer
www.crawleyobserver.co.uk
By Karen Dunn
karen.dunn@jpress.co.uk
01293 845058
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Crawley Borough Council has voted to oppose expansion at Gatwick Airport.
Councillors aired their views and took part in a free vote at an Extraordinary Meeting of the Full Council on Monday(January 26).
The result – 25 votes to 11 against the building of a second runway will be included in a detailed response submitted by the council to the Airports Commission.
Only Cllr Liam Marshall-Ascough (Con, Southgate) failed to attend the meeting. Noise, traffic and housing needs were among concerns raised as was the physical impact a second runway would have on the town.
Cllr Keith Blake (Con, Gossops Green) was one f several councillors who felt residents did not fully appreciate how large the expanded airport would be.
At 10,000ft in length by 500ft wide, he said it would be like having Dartford’s Queen Elizabeth Bridge sitting at the top of Manor Royal.
But council leader Cllr Peter Lamb (Lab, Northgate) warned there would be economic consequences if a runway was not built. East Sussex County Council has voted to support expansion’
An image of how Gatwick would look with the proposed second runway