Greg welcomes publication of Gatwick's Independent Review

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Commenting on the publication of Gatwick's Independent Review, Greg said:

"Ever since the flightpaths changed in 2013, we have really suffered from aircraft noise so I am cautiously optimistic about the publication of Gatwick's Independent Review. If the recommendations are implemented, then we should be able to look forward to a major improvement in aircraft noise in our local area. I will be writing to the Chairman of Gatwick, Sir Roy McNulty – who commissioned the Review – to urge him and his Board to approve the recommendations and to work urgently with all the relevant authorities to ensure the changes take place as quickly as possible."

The Chairman of Gatwick commissioned the Independent Review last year in response to increased complaints about aircraft noise. Last November, Greg chaired a public meeting with Gatwick's Independent Review Team to give local residents the opportunity to speak to them directly. Written feedback forms from the meeting were given to the Review Team to consider as part of their evidence gathering.

Recommendations from the Review's final report include:

  • Widening the flightpath swathe from 10-12nm to 8-14nm which almost reverses it back to pre-2013 situation
  • Introducing new protocols to keep planes flying higher for longer
  • Establishing a Noise Management Board

The authors of the review – Bo Redeborn and Graham Lake – believe that the majority of the recommendations could be implemented within 12 months.

Click here to see the full report.

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