Gatwick warns government over homes purchase plan

Gatwick Airport has warned the government that its plans to build an extra runway could be unaffordable if it is forced to purchase up to 4,400 homes set to be impacted by aeroplane noise.

The airport has outlined a noise reduction scheme for local residents as part of its expansion plans, but it could be forced to offer relocation costs if that is rejected by local planners.

A community action group which is against the project has told the BBC that the airport should have set money aside to buy the properties.

The airport said it has set out a "a strong and compelling case" in mitigating the impact on air quality, noise and emissions.

Gatwick's owners have sent a letter to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander arguing that the homes purchase measure is unfair.

It said: "The requirement as drafted is a gross departure from national noise policy and, if imposed, would severely bring into question whether the project could be investible or financeable."

Liz Lockwood, an independent councillor at Tandridge District Council and a campaigner at the Communities Against Gatwick Noise and Emissions action group, said: "I don't feel sorry for Gatwick in this regard at all.

"I think it's more than reasonable to expect them to put their hands in in their own pockets to pay for the consequences of their own application."

Aircraft noise expert Ed Clarke told the BBC: "It could well be that the local planning authority could put Gatwick in a position that is incredibly expensive by having to buy a load of properties within an area that is not really exposed to very high levels of aircraft noise."

However, the acoustic consultant says it is unlikely Gatwick will be forced to buy thousands of properties, and that only a "modest" number of homes will be eligible.

Gatwick is proposing a far cheaper scheme to fund up to £26,000 worth of replacement glazing and noise insulation per home within a 23-mile strip of land stretching between West Sussex, Surrey and Kent.

Non-residential buildings could receive up to a quarter of a million pounds worth of works.

The airport said in a statement: "We have put forward a strong and compelling case – carefully mitigating impacts on air quality, noise and emissions.

"For example, our proposed noise insulation scheme exceeds UK airport standards and the requirements of government policy."

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "As this is a live application that will be determined by the Department, it would not be appropriate to comment."

The government has until 27 February to reveal its decision about Gatwick Airport's planning application.

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