GATWICK EXPANSION PROCEEDS AFTER COURT REJECTS APPEAL

Gatwick Airport's expansion plans will proceed after two judges dismissed an appeal against the government's approval of the scheme. Peter Barclay and the group Communities Against Gatwick Noise Emissions had sought permission to challenge a High Court ruling that upheld Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander's decision to approve the £2.2 billion project in September. Lord Justice Holgate and Lord Justice Dove ruled on Tuesday that each ground of appeal raised was unarguable and had no real prospect of success.

The campaigners had contested the government's approval on the basis that climate impact had not been properly assessed. The High Court had previously dismissed their challenges in June, with Mr Justice Mould finding it was neither illogical nor contradictory for the Transport Secretary not to refuse the development on climate grounds alone. The judge also rejected arguments about the necessity of expansion at Gatwick given its proximity to Heathrow. The expansion involves moving Gatwick's emergency runway 12 metres north to accommodate an additional 100,000 flights annually.

The Court of Appeal's decision removes a significant legal obstacle to the project. The ruling concludes a months-long legal process initiated by opponents of the scheme. Gatwick can now proceed with the development following the court's final rejection of the campaign group's attempt to challenge the Transport Secretary's decision.