Alex Goodman KC and Odette Chalaby appear in…

The High Court (Mr Justice Mould) last week heard a four-day rolled-up judicial review challenge to the 2025 development consent order (DCO) for Gatwick Airport’s northern runway project. The challenge is brought by two Claimants: Peter Barclay and Communities Against Gatwick Noise Emissions (CAGNE).

The proposed project would replace Gatwick’s existing northern standby runway with a second full operational runway, increasing passenger capacity by approximately 13 million passengers per annum to reach 80 million passengers per annum by 2047.

The scheme proposed by Gatwick Airport during the DCO examination was recommended for refusal by the Examining Authority. However, the Examining Authority recommended that the Secretary of State approve a revised scheme with tighter environmental controls. It is the first time that such an approach has been adopted.

The challenge to the ultimate grant of the DCO by the Secretary of State was advanced on a number of grounds, including in relation to climate change, noise, environmental impact assessment, and wastewater.

Judgment is anticipated at the end of February 2026.

Alex Goodman KC acted for Peter Barclay, together with Gethin Thomas (instructed by Goodenough Ring Solicitors).

Odette Chalaby acted for CAGNE, together with Estelle Dehon KC, Ruchi Parekh and Lois Lane (instructed by Leigh Day).

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