Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert has called for a noise reduction plan at Gatwick as flights from the airport continue to increase.

Speaking in a Westminster Hall debate called by Tonbridge & Malling MP Tom Tugenhadt on Wednesday 10 January, Mr Herbert asked the Government to ensure that the airport meets its noise reduction obligations under the Aviation Policy Framework 2013.

22 per cent increase in passengers

Gatwick has seen a 12 per cent increase in flights and a 22 per cent increase in passengers since 2013, with greater numbers of people affected by noise as a result.

Mr Herbert cited the Government’s policy objective that the benefits of airport growth should be shared between industry and local communities, and challenged it to come forward with a promised aviation strategy to establish how airport noise will be reduced in future.

He was joined by fellow West Sussex MPs Jeremy Quin, Sir Nicholas Soames and Gillian Keegan in calling for action by the Government, and Gatwick airport, to reduce the adverse impact of local aircraft noise pollution.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Jesse Norman MP, outlined the Government’s commitment to a new and comprehensive aviation strategy, the consultation on which will begin later this year. Mr Norman also stated that Gatwick airport will publish a draft noise action plan for 2019-2023 later this year, which will provide an opportunity for public comment on noise mitigation measures.”