A PROPOSED runway extension to the UK’s second busiest airport has been strongly opposed by a county council.

Gatwick bosses are seeking to bring the airport’s existing northern runway into regular use as part of its master plan to increase the number of planes using the airport each hour and improve efficiency.

Recent figures show that more than 5,000 residents, community groups, businesses and councils responded to a public consultation held by Gatwick, including Kent County Council (KCC).

KCC’s transport boss, Cllr Michael Payne (Con), said the authority “firmly” objects to the proposed move during a public meeting at County Hall in Maidstone this week.

Speaking to colleagues at KCC’s cabinet meeting at on Monday (Dec 2), Cllr Payne said: “Our position is that we are firmly opposed to this or potentially any second runway at Gatwick.

“Routine use of Gatwick’s emergency runway would result in significant increase in air movement and potential increase in noise, air quality and other issues.”

More than 20 miles separate the West Sussex airport to one of the nearest major towns in Kent, Tunbridge Wells, but opponents have said they fail to see the benefits for Kent residents.

Concerns have  been raised about the logistical difficulties of travelling from Kent to Gatwick due to the lack of direct train services running from parts of the county to the airport.

KCC’s Labour group leader, Cllr Dara Farrell, said after the public meeting:  “Gatwick needs the infrastructure around it.”

KCC’s opposition leader, Cllr Rob Bird (Lib Dem), said he shared the concerns of KCC’s transport boss about the proposed expansion of Gatwick.

Gatwick’s Northern runway is currently used to taxi aircraft to their gate, but from time to time has brought into use when the main runway is closed for maintenance or emergencies.

Airport chiefs say the reformed runway will deliver an additional £2 billion to the UK economy, help the airport cater around 70 million passengers a year by 2032 and create an additional 20,000 jobs.

But, they have also confirmed the original plans for an additional runway have been scrapped in light of Government and public pressure.

A Gatwick paper reads: “As the UK heads towards an important new chapter, Gatwick’s global connections are needed more than ever, but this must be achieved in the most sustainable way.”

The airport’s chiefs will submit a planning application to the relevant public authority next year.