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We'll fight second runway, promise green protesters
Miranda Bryant and Jonathan Prynn21 Oct 2009
Environmental groups today warned the new owners of Gatwick that any plans for a second runway would trigger massive opposition.
A legal agreement secured by West Sussex county council in 1979 prevents a new airstrip being built before 2019, but owners Global Infrastructure Partners are thought to be drawing up plans to end Gatwick's status as the world's busiest single runway airport.
A BAA memorandum leaked this year showed how Gatwick's capacity could rise from 45million passengers a year to 80million.
Opponents jumped on the speculation and promised "massive resistance".
Brendon Sewill, the chairman of Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign, said: "A second runway would be totally contrary to government and UN climate agreements."
Ben Stewart, head of media at Greenpeace, said: "Any attempt to expand Gatwick would fly in the face of the science which is urging deep cuts in emissions. Britons emit more carbon from flying than anyone else."
