A Runway Too Far?

As Gatwick Airport undertakes a consultation exercise to turn its emergency strip into a long-awaited second runway, we speak to the Sussex residents leading the campaign against expansion.

- Sebastian Oake

Sally Pavey’s quality of life took a plunge five years ago when the roar of soaring jets above her home announced the arrival of a new flight path from Gatwick Airport. A marketing consultant, Sally lives with her husband, two children, dogs and hens in a converted farmhouse near Horsham in a village that is full of English rural charm, on the ground at least.

Today, though, she says the village is blighted by aircraft noise. “It’s horrendous, even with double glazing and thick curtains. We live in what should be a tranquil area but the noise from aircraft makes you angry because it’s 24/seven and you can’t do anything to stop it.”

Gatwick has permission to operate limited flights throughout the night – which might sound disturbing enough – but the worst time for Sally is early in the morning. When 6am comes, it is no longer defined as night-time and Gatwick packs in as many flights as it can.

“It’s a big, noisy start, although Cathay Pacific comes in before that at 5am. It’s the same in the run-up to 11.30pm – there’s a surge of activity before the official start of night-time cuts movements down.”