The announcement of Gatwick Airport’s second runway has left nearby residents reeling, with many claiming they might be forced to sell their homes.
The £2.2 billion project, approved by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, promises to bring a huge boost to the economy but comes with a heavy price for those living under the flight paths.
“This is heartbreaking,” said Ryan Shirley, a 56-year-old decorator from Charlwood, who has lived under the existing flight plan for 20 years.
“At the moment it’s bearable, but this is just insane. It feels like there’s no consideration for locals.”
Concerns Over Environmental and Community Impact
The new runway could add 100,000 flights per year to Gatwick’s schedule.
Residents fear that the environmental consequences will be severe, with increased pollution, noise, and traffic disrupting their communities.
Helen Hill, 70, expressed worry for her family’s future. “There is not one single advantage for the locals,” she said.
“It will drive down house prices and my son will move as soon as he can. It’s a terrible decision for everyone involved.”
Ami Nicholls, 32, a mother of two, said she felt ignored by the authorities. “I’ve campaigned against this, and we haven’t been heard.
The increase in noise and environmental impacts is hard to understand. It’s a nightmare.”
Economic Benefits vs. Community Sacrifice
Gatwick Airport insists the expansion will create £1 billion per year and generate 14,000 new jobs.
Transport Secretary Alexander described the scheme as a “no-brainer” for economic growth, suggesting flights could start from the new runway before 2029.
Not all locals are opposed. Danny Savage, 54, believes residents should accept the trade-offs.
“If people didn’t like living near an airport, they shouldn’t have moved here,” he said.
Others, like marketing manager Jenny Rendall, acknowledge the travel benefits but remain concerned about noise and pollution.
Housing Market Braces for Impact
Research predicts a sharp decline in local house prices as a result of the expansion.
Homes directly under new flight paths could see reductions of up to 7.5 percent, with Mole Valley facing an average £40,513 loss per property.
Tandridge and Reigate are expected to see drops of £38,270 and £36,469, respectively.
However, analysts note that once construction is complete, the economic boost could push house prices up by around 9.5 percent, reflecting increased jobs and improved transport links.
Historical Pushback and Wider Aviation Expansion
The new Gatwick runway was initially rejected by the Planning Inspectorate but approved after adjustments.
Gatwick is not the only airport planning expansion: Heathrow has submitted proposals for a third runway, citing urgent capacity needs.
Environmental groups warn that these expansions could produce vast amounts of CO2 at a time when the UK is striving for Net Zero emissions.
Meanwhile, long-standing communities near Heathrow face forced relocation and the demolition of hundreds of historic buildings to make way for growth.
Residents Feel Forgotten
For many locals, the economic benefits are a poor consolation.
Barbara Cole, 67, fears the noise and environmental impact, while Pauline Weston, 65, believes her village could be “ruined” over the next 20 years.
“They just want to build and build with no thought of what we think. It’s heartbreaking,” she said.
As Gatwick prepares to increase its operations, residents are left grappling with a future where life under the flight path will be dramatically changed, and the character of their communities may be permanently altered.