Many would have thought the possibility of expansion would be good news for those wanting more parking near Gatwick Airport. But according to reports in the Crawley Observer, there appears to be a clash of interests between parking providers and the local council who want to give Gatwick the best possible shot of getting that much needed south east airport expansion that is on the cards. After a parking firm requested planning permission to develop a patch of countryside in order to create 3000 spaces with additional facilities, planning officers at Crawley Borough Council are recommending the scheme be rejected. So why is there a clash, and can passengers still access reliable parking near Gatwick Airport?
More Gatwick Car Parks No Longer Welcome?
With the decision about an airport expansion in the south east still in a state of flux, the prospect of a second runaway at Gatwick Airport remains a possibility. But this means that plans to develop the site in question to make more parking near Gatwick Airport available could well infringe on the land earmarked for the proposed runway. Council planning officers say that the parking plans could affect any runway decision and ‘would compromise its delivery’. Another issue that has been put forward is that the proposed parking plans, if classed as a large-scale commercial development, would contravene local and national policy and harm the countryside character of the buffer zone between Gatwick Airport and Crawley.
In their report, council officials have stated, “The scale of introducing nearly 5ha of hardstanding and associated development and have up to 3000 cars parked in what is currently open countryside would not respect the area’s unique character or its role separating Crawley from Gatwick Airport and providing the built up areas of town with a coherent countryside setting.”
Risk of Parking Chaos
The council also noted in its report that no further parking is currently required at Gatwick Airport, but this is at odds with recent calls by Gatwick Chief Executive for a further 6000 parking spaces to accommodate an ever-increasing number of passengers. This argument is supported by the discovery of 1000 cars dumped in a field close to the airport by a rogue parking firm, something that was ‘not an isolated incident’ according to those who support the need for more Gatwick car parks.
Securing Parking Near Gatwick Airport Right Now
This news may alarm those travellers planning on flying out of Gatwick Airport in the near future, but they will be pleased to know that booking in advance with a Gatwick Airport parking discount code can still secure them authorised and convenient parking provision. Parking at Airports offers an online booking widget that can not only reserve a parking space but also offer a generous discount on standard rates – all that’s required on the part of the traveller is a bit of planning in advance.
If a new Gatwick runway is given the go ahead, then this parking debate may well need attention again due to a further increase in passenger numbers. But until any decisions are made, travellers can still get some reassurance with a valid Gatwick Airport parking discount code available now.