‘It’s difficult to see how all this makes strategic sense’ – Horsham MP issues statement after High Court grants planning approval for Gatwick expansion
Horsham MP John Milne called the High Court’s decision to permit the expansion of Gatwick Airport ‘disappointing’.
High Court Judge Mr Justice Mould dismissed two challenges brought by GACC (Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign) and CAGNE (Communities Against Gatwick Noise Emissions) after the plans were approved by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander in September 2025.
Gatwick Airport's plans for a second runway involve moving its northern runway by 12m (39.3ft) to the north.
The plans would allow the second runway to be brought into regular use.
The airport said that the runway, once operational, would bring £1 billion a year into the economy in south-east England and create 14,000 jobs in the region.
MP for Horsham, John Milne said: “This is a disappointing decision from the High Court.
“The government has yet to make a clear case that the expansion of Gatwick, along with Heathrow and Luton, can ever be compatible with meeting their own environmental targets.
“The specific proposals as they stand have also not solved the challenge of providing sufficient public transport access or sewerage.
“At the same time, the government in the shape of Homes England is also planning to build 3,000 houses, potentially rising to 10,000, at West of Ifield right next to the expanding airport.
“It’s difficult to see how all this makes strategic sense.”