The Gatwick Northern Runway Project aims to reposition the existing northern runway by 12 metres to enable dual runway operations. This would significantly increase capacity by over 100,000 flights per year. The proposed expansion would increase the number of passengers using Gatwick to a level similar to the current use of Heathrow airport. The impact of global heating caused by the use of fossil fuels is becoming increasingly evident, with the recent heat waves being just one example. Encouraging greater use of climate-wrecking aircraft is the last thing we need.
The Planning Inspectorate held a six-month public examination of the Northern Runway proposals which concluded in August 2024. In its Recommendation Report (November 2024), the Examining Authority recommended that development consent should not be granted on the Applicant’s final draft Development Consent Order (DCO), but should be granted subject to their recommended amendments to the DCO and necessary Crown approvals. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander granted Development Consent Order (DCO) approval on 21 September 2025 after careful consideration of the inspectors’ recommendations and additional consultations.
Campaigners strongly opposed the decision. Communities Against Gatwick Noise Emissions (CAGNE) and local resident Peter Barclay, Chair of the Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign (GACC), launched judicial reviews.
On 23 June 2026, Mr Justice Mould handed down judgment in the High Court, dismissing both claims after a four-day hearing. GACC and CAGNE have submitted appeals. The appeals will challenge the judge's ruling that economic benefits would exceed climate harm, arguing that there was inadequate assessment of climate change impacts, a failure to properly interpret national aviation policy and no justification for Gatwick's claims of significant national economic benefit due to a net increase in business passengers.
Challenging the decisions is time-consuming and has significant costs. Donations are sought, and help with fundraising is encouraged.