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Decision details

Motion - Support for Gatwick Airport's Northern Runway

Decision Maker: Eastbourne Borough Council Full Council

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Decisions:

Councillor Smart moved and Councillor di Cara seconded the following motion as set out in the agenda papers:

 

“Eastbourne Borough Council expresses its support for the proposal by Gatwick Airport to bring the existing Northern Runway into regular use:

-          To deliver employment opportunities and careers now and in the future

-          To energise our visitor economy

-          To support our existing businesses and attract new businesses to our area

 

This Council recognises that:

-          Transport links are vital to our local economy and a major regional driver of economic growth and prosperity.

-          That Gatwick’s plans represent a vitally important financial boost of an estimated additional £1.5 billion p.a. to our regional economy with 18,400 new jobs.

-          That a successful business sector funds our public services including the NHS and schools.

-          As the busiest single runway operation in the world, additional capacity has long been needed.

-          There have been significant developments in the aviation sector on sustainability, including Gatwick becoming the first carbon neutral London airport in 2017 and the second busiest carbon neutral airport in Europe. “

 

In moving the recommendation, Councillor Smart read out a statement from the Chamber of Commerce in support of the extra runway at Gatwick Airport.

 

Councillor Swansborough moved and Councillor Holt seconded an alternative proposal to the motion as follows:

 

Eastbourne Borough Council notes its previous support for a second runway for Gatwick Airport in 2013. 

 

Since then, Eastbourne Borough Council has pledged to be Carbon Neutral by 2030. 

 

Eastbourne Borough Council further notes the UK Government has committed to increase airplane capacity and a new runway located at either Heathrow or Gatwick. 

 

Eastbourne Borough Council understands that Gatwick Airport has claimed to be the first carbon neutral London airport in 2017 and states on their website that they are committed to net zero direct emissions by 2040 

 

Eastbourne Borough Council asks Scrutiny Committee to consider these claims and the carbon neutrality pledge of Gatwick airport and the impact on this Council's carbon neutrality pledge - before considering further its support for a second runway. This should include both passenger journeys to and from the airport and fuel emissions.“

 

The Council debated the motion and the alternative proposal together.

 

A question was raised as to whether this was a valid amendment, and the Head of Democratic Services confirmed that the constitution allowed for an alternative proposal to be submitted.

 

The alternative proposal was put to a vote by a show of hands and declared carried by 13 votes to 0 with 8 abstentions.

 

RESOLVED (13 votes to 0 with 8 abstentions):

 

Eastbourne Borough Council notes its previous support for a second runway for Gatwick Airport in 2013. Since then, Eastbourne Borough Council has pledged to be Carbon Neutral by 2030. 

 

Eastbourne Borough Council further notes the UK Government has committed to increase airplane capacity and a new runway located at either Heathrow or Gatwick. 

 

Eastbourne Borough Council understands that Gatwick Airport has claimed to be the first carbon neutral London airport in 2017 and states on their website that they are committed to net zero direct emissions by 2040. 

 

Eastbourne Borough Council asks the Scrutiny Committee to consider these claims and the carbon neutrality pledge of Gatwick airport and the impact on this Council's carbon neutrality pledge - before considering further its support for a second runway. This should include both passenger journeys to and from the airport and fuel emissions.

 

Publication date: 01/08/2022

Date of decision: 20/07/2022

Decided at meeting: 20/07/2022 - Eastbourne Borough Council Full Council