Gatwick Airport has revealed an extra £241m in investment plans to spread the benefit of a second runway to local communities.
The plans include:
- £46.5m to help local authorities deliver essential community infrastructure;
- £3.75m to help create 2,500 new apprenticeships for local people;
- A series of noise initiatives, including £45m for Gatwick’s unique council tax initiative and £5m for noise insulation measures;
- Improvements to local transport links and a commitment to ensure local roads are no busier than they are today, with a £10m local highway development fund in place to meet any additional works;
- For the small number of homes that would need to be compulsorily purchased, a £131m Property Support Bond will offer homeowners 25% above market value;
The plans follow a public consultation held in April and May with local residents.
Gatwick CEO Stewart Wingate said,
“A second runway would create a £90billion boost to the UK. We are determined to be a good neighbour and not lose sight of the concerns of those communities close to home. We’ve listened to local people and have created a wide range of pledges to deliver improvements in many of the areas that matter to them most, from new jobs and housing, to business support and noise mitigation.”