THE Davies Commission has said it will consult with Surrey residents about infrastructure ahead of making any recommendations regarding a second runway at Gatwick.
The commission, which is currently investigating proposals for maximising airport capacity in the South East, told politicians it will consult with residents later this year.
The announcement was made during a meeting hosted by West Sussex County Council last Thursday.
The consultation, due to start in the autumn and last three months, will ask councils, business groups and residents for feedback on issues such as roads, trains, housing, healthcare and schools.
As previously reported in the Mirror, the infrastructure surrounding Gatwick Airport is one of the key points of concern for residents.
Pauline Millen, of Horley, told the paper at a consultation event in April: "It's not just the air pollution, it's all the infrastructure and services that Gatwick needs. Where are all the people going to go who work there? Have they got some magic wands where are they to put all these houses? They are not taking all of these into consideration."
Speaking after last week's meeting, leader of Surrey County Council David Hodge said: "Heathrow and Gatwick employ around 13,000 Surrey residents and are key to the county's £32 billion economy, but these airports mustn't expand without major infrastructure investment."
Mr Hodge has also called for the Government to create a Cabinet post to take charge of infrastructure.
The commission, which is headed by Sir Howard Davies, will submit its final recommendations regarding expansion at Gatwick to the Government in summer 2015, after the next general election.
