Deserving local causes Crawley, Horsham, Mid Sussex and Wealden can now apply for the second round of funding in the London Gatwick Foundation Fund.

Navigating the complex world of infrastructure planning can be a daunting task. But you have more power in this process than you might think. The entire process behind the Gatwick London Northern Runway Project is not just for airport executives and planning inspectors—it’s for you too. And your involvement is only a click away.   Think of it as a six-act play where each scene is crucial. By the end of this post, you’ll not only understand each of those stages but also know exactly how to ensure your voice is heard. To play your part, we’ll have some simple instructions to follow. But you’ll need to make sure you complete them before 29th October 2023.   The Northern Runway Project: Overview London Gatwick is no ordinary airport. It’s a beacon of economic prosperity and a major hub for the UK. And it has a clear vision for a sustainable future. The airport has just submitted a Development Consent Order (DCO) to bring its existing Northern Runway into operation. With 14,000 new jobs and an added £1 billion into the regional economy yearly at stake, it is important your opinions a shared. Over 3,000 jobs would be based right at the airport, with thousands more in supply chains, local businesses, and the resultant economic boost from employee spending. The plans go beyond just increasing flight traffic; it’s about boosting resilience, supporting the government’s policy, and laying the foundation for a ‘Global Britain’. In the words of Stewart Wingate, CEO of Gatwick Airport, the project is all about ensuring “economic prosperity for thousands of families, businesses, and future generations across the region.”   Local Support A YouGov poll revealed that 78% of residents from Sussex, Surrey, and Kent are in support of the plans. Moreover, 70% and 73% believe that this is the move the region needs for economic growth and job creation.   Our Environment Gatwick has committed to a legally binding ‘noise envelope’. This means that, despite its expansion, within nine years of the Northern Runway’s unveiling, operations will produce less noise than they did in 2019. And as if that wasn’t enough, there’s a massive £250 million investment towards ensuring the airport is net-zero for its carbon emissions by 2030.   The Six Stages of Planning Demystified Understanding the process will help you know when and how you can influence it. So, what are the six stages for a project of this magnitude?   Pre-Application: Think of this as the brainstorming phase. The applicant, which could be a developer or local council, develops the project and consults with statutory bodies, local authorities, and communities. Important to note: This is the stage where most influence can be exerted. Acceptance: The Planning Inspectorate takes over, checking if all documents are in place. Pre-examination: Publicity time! The applicant advertises that the application has been accepted. And it’s also when you can register to play a part in the Examination. The Examination: The heart of the process. An Examining Authority studies the application, a stage that must conclude within six months. Recommendation and Decision: Here’s where the Examining Authority sends its recommendation to the Secretary of State, who then makes the final call. Post Decision: The last stage, where anyone can legally challenge the Secretary of State’s decision within a six-week window. For the Northern Runway, the first three stages have now past. It is now in the Examination Stage. So, if you’ve ever wanted to play a part, now’s your time!   Here’s How You Make Sure Your Voice Is Heard Firstly, visit: CLICK HERE   This page will invite you to become an Interested Party in the Planning Application. Remember, while you’re encouraged to share your concerns, positive comments are also welcomed!   If you’re a local resident, ensure you provide: – Full name (published) – Address, email address, and phone number (kept confidential) – Comments about the project (published)   For business representatives: – Your full name & the name of the organisation (published) – Work details (kept confidential) – Comments about the project (published) Registration closes on 29 October 2023. Once you’re in, you’ll be kept in the loop about the Examination of the Application and can provide further input during the Examination phase.   So, are you ready to be part of a better future for The Gatwick Diamond? Your voice matters. And now you know exactly how to make it heard. Let’s shape the future of Gatwick Diamond and, in turn, the UK’s future together.

  London Gatwick has partnered with a Crawley-based company mnAi to improve understanding of opportunities within local and regional supply chains  New AI tool will highlight local companies and the services they can provide to the airport  Stakeholders, including businesses across the region, have until 29 October to register and provide feedback on London Gatwick’s Northern Runway plans to the the Planning Inspectorate    Businesses within London Gatwick’s local region are set to be boosted through a new partnership between the airport and Crawley-based company, mnAi.   Gatwick has partnered with data, insight and analytics platform mnAi – whose headquarters are at The Beehive in City Place, Crawley – to improve understanding of companies within the local and regional supply chain and the services they can provide, through use of a new AI tool.   The platform will enable London Gatwick to identify locally-based businesses from which they can request proposals and quotes for a range of key projects, as well as supplying goods and services.  The new partnership with mnAi – which also has a base in Edinburgh - is in line with London Gatwick’s procurement policy, which states all procurement-led requests for proposals and quotes (RFPs) will include a minimum of one local or regional supplier, where suitable businesses exist.   Local/regional is defined as one of the 12 postcodes set out in the airport’s second Decade of Change – its sustainability policy which looks ahead to 2030 and sets out Gatwick’s goals on the transition to Net Zero, as well as being a partner and advocate for a thriving and resilient economy.  Richard Lennard, Economic Partnerships Manager, London Gatwick said: “As we continue our second Decade of Change, it is vital we increase our understanding of the impact our procurement decisions have on the local economy. I am pleased to be working with mnAi to gain greater insight into our local, regional and UK supply chain. This increased transparency will allow Gatwick to seek out and actively include suitable businesses in our RFPs for new opportunities.”  John Cushing, CEO and Founder, mnAi said: “Our partnership with London Gatwick is an alliance that marries innovation with scale. It signifies a collaborative step forward for both mnAi and Gatwick, and is a milestone for the local economy. Our shared vision encompasses far more than just local progress; this is a blueprint for what can be achieved nationally."  Ricky Cowan, Managing Director, mnAi said: “This collaboration promises immense potential in the aviation sector. The work London Gatwick is doing by leveraging mnAi's extensive data sets is simply the tip of the iceberg. Our data spans a remarkable range, both in depth and breadth, providing unparalleled insights and actionable intelligence. Given the scale at which we can operate, we're confident this alliance will unlock unprecedented opportunities not just for Gatwick, but for the industry as a whole.”  London Gatwick is investing in its long-term future and its planning application to bring the airport’s Northern Runway into regular use has recently been accepted for detailed examination by the Planning Inspectorate. This low-impact plan will improve resilience, reduce delays, and provide a significant boost to the national and regional economy by supporting trade, tourism and new jobs.     Businesses across the region, along with members of the public, including local residents and other stakeholders, have until 23:59 on 29 October 2023 to register with the Planning Inspectorate and provide a summary of their views on the airport’s application.  

With just under 2 weeks to register with the Planning Inspectorate and provide a summary of your views of the application by London Gatwick to use the Northern Runway in scheduled operations & to be registered as an Interested Party.   Only those who have registered will be able to participate in the Examination Period & submit representations in respect of the Development Consent Order.   To see the Planning Inspectorate’s Advice Note   CLICK HERE   The Inspectorate requests that “your comments must be about what you consider to be the main issues and impacts”. These can, of course, be positive so please do register to show your support.   Any Relevant Representations must be made on the Planning Inspectorate's Registration and Relevant Representation Form, which is available through the Project page of the Planning Inspectorate’s website at   CLICK HERE TO REGISTER   The deadline for registering as an interested party is 29th October 2023.   For further information on the progress of this project through the planning process please use this link to the Planning Inspectorate website. visit here

In a joint letter to the Secretary of State for Transport, representatives of more than 55,000 businesses across the UK, have come together to pledge their support for Gatwick Airport’s Northern Runway Project. This low-impact plan, designed to maximise the use of existing infrastructure, involves moving the centre line of Gatwick’s current Northern Runway 12 metres – to enable it to be used for departing flights alongside the existing Main Runway.   Led by the Gatwick Diamond Initiative, 52 business groups across the UK – including the Institute of Directors Sussex, CBI London and the London Chamber of Commerce – have put their names to the letter of support.  In 2021, 36 business groups, representing 20,000 members across the South East wrote to the Transport Secretary offering support for Gatwick’s plans.  This increase in support, both in numbers and geography, demonstrates the appetite from the UK business community to support Gatwick’s future and to recognise the national importance of this application. Many of the businesses represented in the letter have benefitted from Gatwick’s supply chains, from the millions of tourists who fly into the airport each year and from the diverse economic clusters that have flourished in the Gatwick Diamond region due to the connectivity and opportunities offered by the airport.   In the letter, issued today, the signatories said they recognised the benefits Gatwick had generated for the region in previous years, but stated that the impact of the pandemic and ongoing  economic challenges, means these benefits cannot be taken for granted.  With the Northern Runway plans offering new global and regional connections, not to mention more than 10,000 jobs and a significant economic boost of over £1bn per year, the opportunity to support the nation’s economy and increase our country’s resilience is the business community is proud to support. Brett North, Chair, Gatwick Diamond Initiative said: “Gatwick Airport is the epicentre of the South East economy, and plays an important role in attracting and retaining businesses, strengthening the diversity of our economy.  Gatwick’s plans for the northern runway and its continuing commitment to invest in its infrastructure offers opportunities for employment, retaining a skilled workforce and the continued economic success of the region.”   Michele Augousti, Chair, IoD Sussex said: “Gatwick Airport’s use of an existing runway and its preference for sourcing local suppliers shows a commitment to the utilisation of existing facilities, as well as encouraging economic growth in the area thereby supporting the local business community; both initiatives are to be commended.” Anneka Hendrick, CBI Regional Director, London and South East said: “A thriving aviation industry is critical to supporting the ambition for delivering greater sustainable growth by ensuring that the UK remains an internationally competitive destination for investment. Airports also play a key role as economic anchors in local communities by creating jobs, supporting supply chains and driving growth. “With the transition to net zero a key challenge for the economy, Gatwick are absolutely right to focus on their sustainable aviation plan to help reduce noise levels and carbon emissions. As a predominately leisure-orientated airport, Gatwick’s plans for its Northern Runway can play a major part in the success and growth of the country’s tourism industry, whilst improving the airport’s reliance and resilience, help meet future passenger demand and provide greater international connectivity.” The 52 groups now urge their members to register with the DCO to ensure the views of their members are represented in the government’s consultation process. Visit here to discover how.