Civils contractors today said that the decision of the UK Government to indicate support for a £2.2 billion expansion scheme at Gatwick shows a strong commitment to growth that must be met with action.
The Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander MP has issued a ‘minded to approve’ letter for the Gatwick Airport Northern Runway Development Consent Order (DCO) under the Planning Act 2008, which means that a final decision on the scheme must be made by 27 October.
Commenting, Director of Operations for the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) Marie-Claude Hemming said: “The Government’s decision to issue a ‘minded to approve’ letter for Gatwick expansion shows a clear commitment to delivering economic growth.
“Low carbon aviation will play a key role in the UK economy in the coming years, and it is right that the Government must balance the consideration of all views with a clear commitment to delivering critical infrastructure.
“We look forward to working with the Government and all other stakeholders to ensure that this scheme moves forward later this year.
“The UK Government’s identification of economic growth as the primary driver of better outcomes for businesses and communities is welcome, and must form the basis of expediting project delivery, not just at Gatwick, but in all parts of the country.
“CECA members stand ready to deliver on the Government’s growth agenda, and we are already working with partner organisations, clients, and government departments to ensure that industry is primed to get spades in the ground on the schemes we need to power the 21st century economy.”
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CECA Press Release – Government Must Match Growth Ambitions With Swift Project Delivery – Immediately 27 February 2025