Gatwick warns government over homes purchase plan

Gatwick Airport has warned the government that its plans to build an extra runway could be unaffordable if it is forced to purchase up to 4,400 homes set to be impacted by aeroplane noise. The airport has outlined a noise reduction scheme for local residents as part of its expansion plans, but it could be forced to offer relocation costs if that is rejected by local planners. A community action group which is against the project has told the BBC that the airport should have set money aside to buy the properties. The airport said it has set out a "a strong and compelling case" in mitigating the impact on air quality, noise and emissions. Gatwick's owners have sent a letter to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander arguing that the homes purchase measure is unfair. It said: "The requirement as drafted is a gross departure from national noise policy and, if imposed, would severely bring into question whether the project could be investible or financeable."<br/>