are robustly opposed to the proposals for a new hub airport in the Thames Estuary. We are also opposed to a second runway at As part of our view on long-term aviation capacity issues, we are Gatwick; one of the reasons for this is the doubling of the already pressing Government for immediate action to keep UK airports unacceptable noise impacts. There needs to be an immediate competitive with European airports in terms of Air Passenger Duty reduction in overflight and noise in West Kent and so we oppose (APD). This currently has a negative impact on the UK’s global proposed airspace changes that would not share the burden of connectivity and is therefore damaging UK business and tourism. overflight equitably between communities. Multiple arrival and Differential charging of APD at uncongested airports could also help departure routes should be used to provide periods of respite. to stimulate growth at regional airports and free up capacity at Additionally, the level of night flights should be reduced at Gatwick congested airports. to a level comparable with Heathrow. District Priorities These are the infrastructure requirements in each district to in the GIF and will be updated as the evidence in the GIF is support growth sustainably. These priorities have been highlighted updated. [Image Description: A map of Kent displaying seven cross district priorities. These are split between SEP Schemes, such as East Kent Local Sustainable Transport Fund – making sustainable travel easier for Kent’s residents Schemes Awarded Local Growth Fund (LGF) Funding, such as
are robustly opposed to the proposals for a new hub airport in the Thames Estuary. We are also opposed to a second runway at Gatwick; one of the reasons for this is the doubling of the already unacceptable noise impacts. There needs to be an immediate reduction in overflight and noise in West Kent and so we oppose proposed airspace changes that would not share the burden of overflight equitably between communities. Multiple arrival and departure routes should be used to provide periods of respite. Additionally, the level of night flights should be reduced at Gatwick to a level comparable with Heathrow. As part of our view on long-term aviation capacity issues, we are pressing Government for immediate action to keep UK airports competitive with European airports in terms of Air Passenger Duty (APD). This currently has a negative impact on the UK’s global connectivity and is therefore damaging UK business and tourism. Differential charging of APD at uncongested airports could also help to stimulate growth at regional airports and free up capacity at congested airports. District Priorities These are the infrastructure requirements in each district to support growth sustainably. These priorities have been highlighted in the GIF and will be updated as the evidence in the GIF is updated. [Image Description: A map of Kent displaying seven cross district priorities. These are split between SEP Schemes, such as East Kent Local Sustainable Transport Fund – making sustainable travel easier for Kent’s residents Schemes Awarded Local Growth Fund (LGF) Funding, such as