Gatwick’s noise reduction and mitigation measures
Towards the end of 2021, Gatwick launched their public consultation to bring the Northern Runway into routine use. The consultation ran for 12 weeks seeking public views on the proposals to bring the existing Northern Runway into routine use alongside its Main Runway by summer 2029. This would be for departing aircraft and would require the repositioning of its centre line further north by 12 metres, enabling dual runway operations with the airport’s Main Runway whilst meeting all international safety standards. The low-impact plans are forecast to generate approximately 18,400 additional jobs by 2038 along with an additional expected £1.5bn GVA to the region. The airport says the project would be delivered in a sustainable way which helps to achieve the Government’s overall goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. A big part of the consultation was how they tackle noise with such in increase in air traffic.
Andy Sinclair, head of Noise and Airspace Strategy at Gatwick said: "There were thousands of responses and within those responses there were thousands and thousands of comments about noise. There is no doubt that proposal will change as the result of the feedback, that is the purpose of following that process, whether it will affect the noise aspect of it, I can’t say.”
Here are Gatwick’s noise reduction and mitigation measures:
There are specific noise abatement procedures that Gatwick asks aircraft to follow to limit noise impacts on local communities. The airport monitors adherence to these procedures and raises non-compliance with the airlines and air traffic control agencies.
The new Airline Noise Performance Table is designed to encourage airlines to limit and reduce their noise impact by continually improving their operation and enhancing their aircraft fleets. The programme involves evaluating noise performance using a set of metrics, engaging directly with selected airlines to discuss performance and reporting the results publicly to incentivise good practice.
Gatwick has invested £1 million in new technology that dramatically improves the monitoring of aircraft noise, including 20 noise monitors in places like Russ Hill, Charlwood and Bellwood. Airlines use this data to analyse how they can improve the performance of their flights in terms of track keeping and noise. Local residents can also access the information and generate their own noise or overflight reports on demand.
Gatwick offers a Noise Insulation Scheme, which applies to eligible homes across Surrey, Sussex and Kent, who can apply for up to £3,000 plus VAT towards double glazing for their windows and doors, as well as loft insulation. Gatwick says it constantly strives to bring forward new initiatives through the Noise Management Board, an independent body, which brings together community representatives and industry to reduce and better manage aircraft noise around Gatwick.