These two local councils have set the record straight over their decision to neither endorse nor oppose expansion at Gatwick airport. The expansion decision is currently being deliberated upon by the officials of the airports commission as a way of maximizing air capacity in the south east.
The stance of Reigate and Banstead councils is a fairly odd one considering most councils have made public their intentions including Tandridge who have objected to expansion plans at Gatwick airport. The town councils indicated that the decision to award expansion to either Gatwick airport or Heathrow airport is more political and economic driven and they would leave it to the government to decide.
They said that despite the decision taken, they would work to ensure that businesses and residents in their area of jurisdiction would have the most benefits and at the same time militate against adverse impacts.
Allan key, the deputy leader of the council, in a letter to the commission, said that infrastructural and housing problems would be most felt by councils close to Gatwick airport. At the same time the councilor challenged the airports commissions’ statement to the effect that houses would not necessarily be built on the green belt as result of a second runway at Gatwick airport. He went ahead to say that any additional housing growth would result to additional pressure on the green belt. These housing pressures are consistent with projections issued as a result of expansion at Gatwick airport
Most councils have opposed an additional runway at Gatwick airport which reduces the likelihood of the airport’s commission settling on the airport for expansion.