A NEW town will be needed to accommodate the thousands of workers who will flock to the area if a new runway is built at Gatwick.
That is the claim from campaigners after a report predicted up to 40,000 jobs could be created in the area by the proposed development.
But business leaders hit back saying not building the new runway could create "ghost towns" in the area with the loss of up to 10,000 jobs.
A study commissioned by West Sussex County Council suggests up to 5,000 new housing units could be needed every year if a new runway was built to accommodate the influx of workers.
Brendon Sewill, chairman of Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign, said: 'This independent study, if correct, shows that a new runway would lead to widespread urbanisation, serious pressure on schools and hospitals, and
the loss of much dearly-loved countryside."
But business leaders claim the effect on the area could be devastating if a new runway was built elsewhere.
Gatwick's potential second runway is one of a number of proposals being considered by the Government's Davies Commission to maximise air capacity in the South East.
Jeremy Taylor, chief executive of Gatwick Diamond Business, said: "What these opponents need to explain is where the future jobs are going to come from for our children and grandchildren.
"GACC and those who stand in the way of progress need to answer how they would replace the 10,000 jobs that the report suggests would be lost were a runway to be built away from this area."
The report, by Berkley Hanover Consulting, suggests 20,000 jobs could be created on the airport – which tallies with the 19,500 cited by Gatwick Airport in its
proposal. It also suggests a further 20,000 jobs could be created around the airport but admits a new runway at Heathrow could cost jobs at Gatwick.
The wide-reaching effect of Gatwick is a vital aspect of the argument according to Fiona Stimpson, chairman of the Horley Chamber of Commerce.
She told the Mirror: "It is amazing how many companies around here are involved with Gatwick.
Ghost towns
"If we lose that, if those guys move out, that is when we could get ghost towns around here."
But Mr Sewill retorted: "[Loss of jobs] is a scare which has been put out and is actually rubbish because it's possible no runway will be built anywhere."
Gatwick Diamond Business is spearheading a campaign to engender business support for Gatwick's expansion.
It claims the new runway will bring more business travellers to the area who spend more money than the short-haul and leisure travellers.
A Gatwick spokesman said: "We appreciate and understand that housing is an important issue locally and during the next phase of our work we will work closely, and in collaboration with, the local authorities to understand whether those additional jobs will have any impact on existing housing plans for the region."
The Davies Commission will report on the need for increased air capacity in the region after the next general election.
