Campaigners who are protesting against the construction of a new runway at Gatwick airport have come up with new claims. They say that an additional runway would destroy large tracts of ancient woodland on the site. Gatwick airport in an earlier bid had confirmed that an additional runway would have lesser negative effect to the local community and the environment as compared to it being constructed at London Heathrow airport. The campaigners however believe that at least 19 acres of woodland would be destroyed for the construction of the said runway.
A spokesperson for the Woodland Trust stated the importance of this indigenous woodland and the fact that it is irreplaceable. She urged the public not to accept losing something like that to development projects. The Horsham MP, Francis Maude has come out to support the campaigners saying that he is against an additional runway at the London airport. Gatwick stated that the runway would lead to the creation of 120,000 jobs by the year 2050.
The Mole valley district council has questioned the probability of that much job creation. They also seek clarity on the airports growth forecasts. The council has also expressed concerns of how much an additional runway would benefit the local communities.
All is not lost though as there are various parties that are in support of the construction of an additional runway at the airport. A spokesperson from Gatwick Business association states that there will be great economic loss that will be felt in the area if a new runway is not constructed. He also added that it would give a chance for the local community to access jobs. Gatwick submitted its proposal for the said runway and is conducting consultations until early August. The London airport in its proposal has established three different options for the new runway.