Council airs concerns about Gatwick expansion

Published: Monday, 29th September 2025

Sevenoaks District Council has raised concerns about the recent approval of a second runway at Gatwick Airport.

The Council responded to a Government consultation about the possible expansion of the airport in March 2024. In its response, the Council recognised the expansion could have both positive and negative impacts for its communities.

The Council stated it is supportive of the project in principle, particularly in relation to the significant economic benefits the expansion could bring to the local tourism industry.

However, it remained concerned about the significant negative social and environmental impacts that its communities living in the south of the District would have to endure.

The Council insisted these negative impacts should be mitigated properly to ensure its communities’ health, wellbeing and quality of life is not adversely affected in the long term.

The Council also wanted clarity on the deliverability of the airport’s stated net zero ambitions and, linked to this, requested further consideration be given to the wider infrastructure needs generated by the airport expansion, in particular road and rail.

Cllr Nigel Williams, Sevenoaks District Council’s Cabinet Member for Development & Infrastructure, says: “The Government has acknowledged some of our concerns, however, significant issues have not been properly addressed.

“While the expansion includes some stricter noise controls and an enhanced insulation scheme for nearby residents, our communities in the south of the District, who live directly below the flight paths, are not eligible for help. Yet residents in Leigh, Chiddingstone and Penshurst through to Hever and Edenbridge could be impacted by additional aircraft noise.

“Within the next 15 years, the Government has forecast a near doubling of passengers using the airport. It acknowledges this will result in more people driving to Gatwick Airport resulting in additional traffic on the M25, M26, A21 and A25, particularly during peak hours, putting additional strain on our local roads and motorways.

“Although Government has stipulated more than half of all of passengers should use public transport to get to the expanded airport, there are no concrete plans to improve public transport services and infrastructure. Improving transport infrastructure is key to helping alleviate these future pressures.

“We will take an active role in ongoing engagement with the airport to ensure the voice of our communities continues to be heard.”