About Us

Who we are

The Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign, founded in 1965, is a voluntary association, with an executive committee elected each year at our AGM.

In addition to individuals, our members include over 100 District and Parish Councils and amenity groups. All members pay an annual subscription.

Our Aims

To protect the environment around Gatwick.

To keep the airport within its present boundaries.

To press for a steady reduction in noise and pollution

GACC is totally law abiding, and relies on rational argument to influence government and aviation authorities.

Our successes

1970 - persuaded Government to drop plans for second runway, and to go for Maplin instead.

1980 - obtained safeguards (including massive earth bunds) as condition for constructing North Terminal. Defeated proposal for a new aircraft maintenance area.

1985 - defeated Gatwick to Heathrow helicopter service.

1985-95 - successfully pressed for noise monitoring and track-keeping equipment, with penalties on excessive noise.

1994 - defeated plan for second runway.

1999 - initiated, and played leading role in drawing up, new legal agreement to protect the environment. Agreement signed February 2001.

2002 - GACC lobbying (especially our booklet 'We Trust in the Law') helped persuade Government to announce that there would be no new runway before 2030. This was, however, challenged by judicial review.

2003 - GACC campaign 'Say No Way Gatwick Runway' influenced Government decision announced December 2003 to rule out a new runway at Gatwick, unless pollution levels at Heathrow cannot be brought within EU limits.

2003-8 GACC has played a leading role in AirportWatch, emphasising the almost tax-free status of air travel, and drawing public attention to the climate change impact of aviation.

2007 Our booklet Gatwick - wrecking climate change targets focused attention on the damage done by flights from Gatwick.

2008. Produced booklet Fallible Forecasts as contribution to AirportWatch campaign against Government airport expansion plans.