Living near Gatwick Airport – I worry my house will never sell

Expansion of London Gatwick Airport Sparks Concerns Among Local Residents

The UK government has given the green light to plans for a second runway at London Gatwick Airport. This expansion, estimated to cost £2.2 billion, is expected to generate 14,000 new jobs and add an additional £1 billion annually to the UK economy. Currently, the airport handles approximately 280,000 flights per year, but with the new runway, this number is projected to rise to around 389,000 by the late 2030s.

Despite the economic benefits, the project faced initial opposition from the Planning Inspectorate due to concerns about noise pollution and inadequate public transport connections. However, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander approved the plans, describing the scheme as a “no-brainer” for economic growth. The local community, however, remains deeply divided over the decision.

Personal Impact of Increased Air Traffic

Liz Lockwood, a retired teacher and parish councillor who has lived six miles from Gatwick Airport in Lingfield for 25 years, shared her concerns about the potential impact of the expansion. She currently experiences about 45 planes flying over her house every hour, and with the addition of the second runway, that number is expected to increase to 75 flights per hour.

“I’ve been woken up at night by planes for years,” she said. “Even now, after living here for so long, the noise is still disruptive. It wakes my dogs and breaks my sleep. I can’t concentrate on tasks or enjoy time outside with my garden or pets.”

Liz has taken steps to mitigate the noise by adding insulation and double-glazed windows. However, she fears the increased number of flights will make life unbearable. She also raised concerns about the road infrastructure near the airport, which is already at capacity. With more traffic expected, the narrow countryside roads and the M23 motorway could become even more congested, causing delays for residents.

Public Transport and Parking Challenges

The government has urged Gatwick to encourage more passengers to use public transport, but Liz believes this is not feasible. The existing train services are already operating at full capacity, and there is no realistic way to expand them without significant investment. Additionally, the airport plans to reduce on-site parking, which could lead to more vehicles using local roads and fields, potentially creating illegal parking issues.

She also expressed worry about the effect on property values. Her home represents her pension, and she fears the uncertainty surrounding the expansion could make it difficult to sell her house in the future.

Environmental and Quality of Life Concerns

Penny Shoubridge, a retired marketing manager who lives just two miles from the airport in Charlwood, echoed similar concerns. She described how the constant noise from planes, even at night, disrupts her daily life. “When a flight takes off, my whole house rattles,” she said. “It affects both our physical and mental health.”

Penny is particularly concerned about the environmental impact of the expansion, especially given the UK’s net-zero target for 2050. She believes the government has ignored the voices of local residents, environmental groups, and councils who have all opposed the project.

“We live in a rural village with a rich history,” she said. “Gatwick used to be a racecourse, and we had a peaceful community. Now, the noise and pollution are taking over.”

She also questioned the need for further expansion, arguing that regional airports like Manchester, East Midlands, Stansted, and Luton should be prioritized instead of expanding London-based airports.

Community Response and Next Steps

Both Liz and Penny are considering legal action to challenge the decision. They plan to raise funds for a judicial review, although they acknowledge it may take a long time to see any results. For many residents, the expansion represents a threat to their quality of life and the future of their homes.

As the debate continues, the local community remains united in its concern over the potential consequences of the new runway. While the government sees the project as a boost to the economy, many residents feel it comes at too high a cost.