Wandsworth Council Backs Gatwick Option

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Claims expansion there rather than Heathrow could create local jobs

A new report by Gatwick Airport claims that if they were to be allowed to build another runway there would be economic, housing, transport and employment benefits for Wandsworth and the wider south London region.

Gatwick and Heathrow are now the only two locations being considered by the Government’s Airports Commission as potential locations for a new runway in the south of England.

The new study says that areas with direct rail links to Gatwick, including Clapham Junction in central Battersea, would attract higher levels of growth and development if the airport expands. This would create additional local jobs, homes and investment.

Clapham Junction is currently 25 minutes from Gatwick and rail services set to be become faster and more frequent.

According to the report:
• a second runway would generate up to 70,000 jobs across London, many of them in Wandsworth
• Another 22,000 jobs would be created in and around the airport which would be accessible to Wandsworth residents
• Across the UK a total of 120,000 employment opportunities would stem from the second runway development.

Because Gatwick is located south of the capital a new runway would not create new flightpaths over Wandsworth or any other part of London.

Wandsworth Council leader Ravi Govindia said: “The report makes a strong case which we are now discussing in more detail with Gatwick officials. We are very interested to hear what local people and our business community think about the proposals and you can write to aviation@wandsworth.gov.uk to share your views.

&ldqSeptember 26, 2014t from growth at Gatwick thanks to its direct rail link. We agree it would enhance this part of Battersea’s credentials as a business destination and help attract the employment growth we are already seeing in neighbouring Nine Elms.

“A second runway would have to come alongside further investment in our rail network including the Brighton Mainline and at Clapham Junction Station. It would also add momentum to the council’s redevelopment plans for the area around the station and help us unlock this districts full potential.

“What is certain is that expanding Gatwick would come without the enormous levels of noise pollution, environmental damage and worsening transport gridlock we would face with a third runway at Heathrow.”

September 25, 2014