Latest news on revised consultation arrangements

On 26 November the High Court ruled that the Government had been wrong to exclude from the consultation options for new runways at Gatwick. The Government has accepted the court judgment.

As a result, the consultation process has been extended beyond 30 November 2002. This applies to respondents in all parts of the UK.

In the new year, the Government intends to publish a further South East consultation document including one or more new runway options at Gatwick. People will then have four months to respond.

You are free to submit your consultation response now or wait until the further document is published. In particular, we would welcome responses from those whose views are unlikely to be affected by options at Gatwick, as soon as they wish to send them.

If you have already submitted a response we will take it into account. You will also be able to add to, amend or replace your response later when you have had an opportunity to consider the new material.

Background reports and the six consultation documents covering the other parts of the UK will continue to be available. We are also continuing to make available the South East consultation document (including the questionnaire) for the time being because it contains a lot of information that is still relevant and will not be affected by the inclusion of Gatwick runway options.

More detailed information about the revised arrangements for the consultation will be announced as it becomes available.

If you have any questions please call the consultation line on 0845 100 5554.