Campaigners Plan Appeal After Gatwick Expansion Bids Fail in Court

Campaigners opposing Gatwick Airport's £2.2bn expansion plan lost two High Court challenges but plan to appeal. The scheme will increase flights and create jobs, while critics raise concerns over climate and noise impacts.

Campaigners Consider Appeal After Gatwick Bids Fail

Gatwick Airport described the High Court ruling as a "victory for common sense," while campaigners opposing the airport's expansion have announced they will consider an appeal following the dismissal of two legal challenges.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander approved a £2.2 billion plan in September to move Gatwick's emergency runway 12 metres north, enabling a two-runway operation.

The anti-noise group Cagne and campaigner Peter Barclay argued in a January hearing that the scheme was unlawful, asserting that the government had not adequately assessed the climate impact of the expansion.

Mr Justice Mould dismissed both legal challenges, ruling that the scheme would not "materially impact" the government's ability to meet net zero targets. London Gatwick welcomed the decision, calling it a "victory for common sense."

The Department for Transport (DfT) and Gatwick Airport Limited, the airport's owner, defended the government's decision, with legal representatives for the airport describing the challenges as "unarguable."

The expansion is expected to increase Gatwick's capacity from approximately 280,000 flights per year currently to 389,000 by the late 2030s.

Travel journalist Simon Calder described the expansion as "nothing but an overwhelming positive" for passengers, calling it "the first meaningful airport expansion in decades." He added,

"Certainly for the economy of the Gatwick area, and for travellers in south-east England, this is nothing but an overwhelming positive."

A check in area at London Gatwick has a sign for British Airways. Staff are being a desk and a man in a T-shirt is near a sign that says self check-in. There is a screen near the check-in desks. A yellow sign overhead points to Departures. — Image caption, The scheme is expected to increase capacity by more than 100,000 flights a year

'Huge Economic Benefits'

In a detailed 100-page judgment, Mr Justice Mould also rejected the argument questioning the need for expansion at Gatwick given its proximity to Heathrow Airport, located about 40 miles (64 km) away via the M25 motorway.

The judge noted that the DfT had considered Gatwick primarily as a leisure airport, largely served by low-cost carriers, with passenger numbers projected to grow.

He stated that Transport Secretary Alexander had "considered both the need for and the socio-economic effects of the proposed development to be important," adding,

"Her conclusions are rational and supported by proper, adequate and intelligible reasons."

Sally Pavey, from Cagne, previously criticized the plans, stating they were "not making best use of existing runways."

Sally Pavey has shoulder length curly hair and is standing outside surrounded by greenery. She is looking at the camera and wearing a black jacket and white top with a bag strap over her shoulder. — Image caption, Sally Pavey, from Cagne, previously said plans were "not making best use of existing runways"

Following the ruling, Cagne (Communities Against Gatwick Noise Emissions) declared it would not accept the judgment as final and said its legal team would consider an appeal. The group affirmed its commitment to "stand up for the communities who will be forced to live with the consequences of this expansion."

Campaigners indicated that communities across Kent, Surrey, and Sussex had contributed to funding the legal action due to "grave and legitimate" concerns, including infrastructure funding, sewerage treatment, noise, air quality, and emissions.

Barclay Highlights Contradictory Advice

Peter Barclay, chairman of the Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign, noted that the independent Climate Change Committee and the Parliamentary Environmental Audit Committee had recommended against airport expansion. He stated,

"The expansion decision ignores that advice."

He further commented,

"The upshot seemed to be that noise policies are not worth the paper they are written on."

Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign chairman Peter Barclay is wearing a striped shirt and sitting at a table with bunting above him and a picture on a wall next to him. — Image caption, Barclay said the decision went against advice

Both Cagne and Barclay challenged the government's planning decision through judicial review.

Airport and Government Responses

A London Gatwick spokesperson said,

"We are pleased with today's High Court ruling to uphold the government's careful decision to grant planning approval for our Northern Runway Project.

Our exciting plans will deliver significant business, tourism and trade benefits for the UK, including 14,000 new jobs and a £1bn boost to the economy every year. This is a victory for common sense."

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander granted a Development Consent Order for the project last year.

Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander arrives in Downing Street to attend the weekly Cabinet meeting in London on 28 April 2026. She is wearing a white top and blue jacket and has a red notebook and phone in her hand, with sunglasses in her hair. — Image caption, Heidi Alexander granted a Development Consent Order last year

A Department for Transport spokesperson welcomed the High Court ruling, stating,

"This is a project that balances our environmental and climate commitments with huge economic benefits - bringing around 14,000 new jobs to local people, and delivering £1bn a year to benefit all four corners of the UK."

Additional Information

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, X, and Instagram, and listen to BBC Radio Sussex on Sounds. Story ideas can be sent to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250.