HOLIDAYMAKERS have won a huge boost as Gatwick was finally given the all-clear for its £2.2billion expansion.
The green light means planes could be taking off from a new full runway before the next general election.
Gatwick airport has gotten the green light for its latest expansion[/caption]
It could pave way for 100,000 extra flights a year[/caption]
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has signed off the plan after months of wrangling with planning chiefs, who had tried to block it over green demands.
The project will shift Gatwick’s emergency runway 12 metres north so it can be used alongside the main strip, paving the way for 100,000 extra flights a year.
A Government source said: “The Transport Secretary has cleared Gatwick expansion for take-off.
“With capacity constraints holding back business, trade and tourism, this is a no-brainer for growth.
“This Government has taken unprecedented steps to get this done, navigating a needlessly complex planning system, which our reforms will simplify in future.
“It is possible that planes could be taking off from a new full runway at Gatwick before the next general election.
“Any airport expansion must be delivered in line with our legally binding climate change commitments and meet strict environmental requirements.”
