London Gatwick’s planning application to bring the airport’s existing Northern Runway into routine use has been approved for detailed examination by the Planning Inspectorate (PINS). 

The planning application – known as a Development Consent Order (DCO) - was submitted on July 6 and sets out the airport’s plans to make best use of its existing infrastructure to unlock new capacity and improve airport resilience, in line with government policy. 

The Planning Inspectorate – acting on behalf of the Government – is satisfied that the airport’s consultation was conducted properly and that the application can progress to the examination phase. 

A period of detailed and rigorous examination of the proposals by a panel of independent experts will follow, at a date set by the Planning Inspectorate. This process is likely to take up to 18 months, including six months of examination, which will include written submissions and public hearings. 

Ahead of the examination, the public – including residents in local communities and other stakeholders – will be able to register with the Planning Inspectorate to become an ‘interested party’. This will enable them to participate and provide their views and feedback on the proposals during examination.   

More information on the DCO planning process and how to engage with it can be found here. 

Tim Norwood, Chief Planning Officer, London Gatwick, said: “In coming weeks, the airport will let residents and other stakeholders know how they can register their interest in taking part in the examination stage of the planning process, so they can submit comments and feedback on our important proposals.“ 

London Gatwick’s DCO application is now available on the Planning Inspectorate’s website.