The facility’s Chief Executive Stewart Wingate recently told the Times that the reserve runway is being considered to allow extra planes taking off.
This is one of a number of measures proposed in their Draft Masterplan for the next 15 years, which was exhibited inside Royal Victoria Place on Saturday [November 10].
Local campaigners have long since complained about noise levels of aircraft over Tunbridge Wells and surrounding villages, which are on the flightpath.
And with the number of annual flights set to rise from 40million to 70million by 2032, both Campaign Against Gatwick Noise and Emissions [CAGNE] and Tunbridge Wells Anti-Aircraft Noise Group [TWAANG] have raised concerns.
This is despite Mr Wingate saying planes will be quieter by that point, lessening the impact of noise pollution.
A CAGNE spokesman said: “Residents of Kent can expect to see any gaps between arriving flights that exist currently drastically reduced due to the predicted 20 to 30 per cent increase in departing aircraft during the peak summer seasons.
“Gatwick will shatter tranquillity with their initial plan to use the emergency runway as a second runway whilst continuing to blight Kent by safeguarding the land for a brand new runway.”
A TWAANG member added: “Even if the noise levels of individual aircraft are reduced over time, the significant increase in numbers proposed by Gatwick seem more than likely to outweigh this, and the increase will happen sooner.
“It is the frequency of flights which really upsets people.”
The consultation on the grand master plan will run until January 10.
To take part, visit: ipsos.uk/draftmasterplan
