GATWICK has unveiled its refreshed five-year plan to invest £1.1 billion in improving and expanding airport services through to 2024.

The latest plan will include modern systems including automated parking and new boarding technology to help make travel faster and more convenient.

The North Terminal will have six new departure gates, main runway resurfacing and a new 3,250 space car park from summer 2021.

The infrastructure will support greater use of electric and hybrid cars by passengers and staff.

The plans include a significant expansion of the international departure lounges in both North and South Terminals.

The works include creating additional space for seating, coffee bars, shops, toilets and other passenger facilities.

Funds will also be put towards the railway station development.

Gatwick will invest an additional £37 million to the £150 million the Department for Transport has given to upgrade the station.

Work starts in the spring and is expected to take two years.

The planned investment at the airport brings the total investment at Gatwick, since 2009, to £3.21 billion.

Peter Barclay, chairman of Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign, said he understands the need for improvements, but there should be some empathy for the people who live near the airport.

“They could be severely impacted by these changes,” he said.

“Because it means more traffic, and more noise.

“More than 3,000 spaces in this new car park, that equates to about 360,000 vehicle will be moving in and out a year, minimum.

“That also means more people who will be using those spaces will also be using the public roads in the area which will cause huge disruption.”

He said the new technological advances may make life easier and more exciting for those using the airport, but have negative impacts on the community.

“I just don’t think people are fully aware of the effect this expansion and improvements have on people in the surrounding areas.

“Sure the customers in the airport will have a great time, but they need to think about the people in and around the airport, an area that they call their home.”

Gatwick’s chief executive officer Stewart Wingate said: “We always put passengers at the heart of our investment plans and it’s great to see how automation and technology can further

enhance the passenger experience.

“The plans explore ways we can grow capacity sustainably, including providing more space in our departure lounges.

“This investment will support our existing airlines, help attract new airlines and provide an enhanced service for the millions of people who choose to fly from Gatwick Airport.

“We have outlined our long-term growth strategy in our final master plan and the Capital Investment Programme we are sharing today, gives a more detailed view of our short-term plans which will continue to improve our service proposition and lay foundations for the future.”