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HeidiAlexander
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WorldNew planning rule says yes to homes near railway stations
The updated National Planning Policy Framework introduces a default approval for housing near railway stations, aiming to boost public transport use, reduce car dependency and support local services. Barnet residents may see changes in neighbourhoods with underused station-adjacent land.
5 min readTrust 60 · Craft 44 · Hype 30
Airports · GatwickGatwick northern runway cleared as High Court blocks final appeal
The High Court has dismissed the last legal challenge to Gatwick’s northern runway, ending a nine-year planning battle. Campaigners must now pay £10,000 per court stage, while the airport says construction will begin 'with confidence' for a 2030 completion.
Gatwick5 min readTrust 66 · Craft 95 · Hype 15
Airports · GatwickGatwick second runway approved after Court of Appeal rejects campaigners
The Court of Appeal dismissed a legal challenge by local campaign groups on 4 August 2026, clearing the way for Gatwick Airport’s second runway. The £2.2 billion project, approved by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander in September 2025, will increase annual flights by 100,000 and is expected to open by 2030.
Gatwick5 min readTrust 66 · Craft 87 · Hype 28
Tube & Rail · London5.46pm Euston to Crewe train carries 170% capacity despite extra seats
The 5.46pm London Euston to Crewe service operated by London Northwestern Railway was running at 170% capacity last autumn, Department for Transport figures show. The operator has since increased seating from 460 to 812, but commuters still report standing for the full two-hour journey.
London5 min readTrust 74 · Craft 87 · Hype 45
Airports · GatwickGatwick expansion approved: 100,000 more flights a year from 2030
Gatwick Airport’s £2.2 billion expansion will proceed after the High Court dismissed a legal challenge by campaigners. The project will move the emergency runway 12 metres north, allowing 100,000 additional flights annually from 2030, affecting noise levels and local communities.
Gatwick5 min readTrust 66 · Craft 95 · Hype 15