GACC challenge of Gatwick Airport's Emergency Runway Expansion.
GACC challenge of Gatwick Airport's Emergency Runway Expansion.
Latest: May 5, 2026
Latest information on our JR
We were advised that a decision might be announced around 14th April but that date went by with no news. We've now been informed that the decision could come out this week. It would seem the case is …
Read moreWho am I? - We are the principal environmental community group in the Gatwick area and have been challenging unsustainable expansion at Gatwick since 1968. In addition we engage with Gatwick on matters of noise and air pollution, local infrastructure impacts and more recently carbon emissions and climate change impacts. See more at www.gacc.org.uk
Summary - Gatwick has applied to expand by over 60% by re-aligning its emergency runway/northern taxiway. We have challenged the application at the Planning Inspectorate hearings and are now preparing to challenge any decision by government to approve the scheme through the courts.
Call to action - We will need to raise around £10,000 to file a claim as the first stage to challenge this decision through the legal system. We are then likely to need around £65,000 to follow the process through the courts.
What are we trying to achieve? - To reverse this decision. The huge increase in carbon emissions from aircraft brought about by this project is unacceptable.The impact on communities around Gatwick in terms of huge increases in noise disturbance and air pollution. In addition pressure on local infrastructure such as roads, rail, housing, local health and care services and housing will be massive. The system is tottering at present - this project will push it over the top.
What is the next step in the case? - If the Secretary of State for Transport approves this project on behalf of the government we propose challenging that decision. Our only way to do this is through the courts.
How much we are raising and why? - Initially we are raising £10,000 to get the challenge into the court system and then up to around a further £65,000 to take it to fulfilment.
However much you are able to pledge for our challenge we are extremely grateful for your contribution. Thank you for your support.
Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign (GACC)
May 5, 2026
Latest information on our JR
We were advised that a decision might be announced around 14th April but that date went by with no news. We've now been informed that the decision could come out this week. It would seem the case is a lot more detailed than originally expected. However we never thought ourselves that it would be clear cut.This week is of course a bank holiday week plus in many parts of the country there are local elections which may delay the announcement further.
Many thanks to all those who have supported our crowd funding programme. We've now received the latest invoices from our legal team and we need to find substantially more funds. And we have to consider the possibility of an appeal - either by ourselves or by the opposition which will need even more funding.
Thus our funding programme needs to accelerate - if you can give more we will be extremely grateful but also please bring our case to the attention of friends and relatives. You know how important it is so lets make sure the rest of the world knows and can help us.
Thanks to all from the GACC Committee and Legal Team
Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign (GACC)
Feb. 2, 2026
That's four days of our JR hearing done.
Judicial review update
The four-day judicial review hearing in the High Court has ended.
The judge heard all the arguments from Peter Barclay’s (Chair of GACC) legal team - on climate change, aviation policy, the economic case for expansion – and noise impacts.
We await the judgment and will send an update once we hear further.
If we win, we have to be ready for an appeal by the other side.
As you can imagine this is an expensive undertaking. We want to be ready whatever the outcome, so we continue our fundraising efforts.
Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign (GACC)
Dec. 9, 2025
Our First Day in Court !
Judge orders four-day hearing – 09.12.25
Justice Mould today ordered a four-day hearing of the claim brought by Peter Barclay, GACC Chair, against the Secretary of State’s approval of Gatwick Airport’s expansion.
The hearing will take place on 20 January 2025.
The judge emphasized the importance of the case and the fact that it is the first of its kind under new rules designed to speed up the legal process where the case involves nationally significant infrastructure.
We are ready to go! The hearing will mark an important step in bringing this disastrous and severely damaging project to an end.
While we are looking forward to having the judge consider the arguments in full, the cost of such a lengthy hearing is considerable.
The judge also ordered that the costs cap claimed by Mr Barclay should be increased from £5,000 to £10,000 because of the support provided by GACC. This is disappointing but shows why we need your support, now more than ever.
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