BACKING for building a second runway at Gatwick Airport was agreed in principle by the council's cabinet on Monday.
Endorsement of the proposals came after council leader Mike Fisher announced at the meeting that he had met with senior airport officials earlier in the day to discuss the plans.
The Government is looking at options for expanding London airports to meet future demand and is expected to announce a shortlist on December 17.
Councillor Fisher told the cabinet: "Gatwick's case is compelling. A second runway at Gatwick can be achieved at a fraction of the cost of a third runway at Heathrow, with significantly less impact on the environment and on the costs of travel for air passengers."
He added: "Gatwick Airport recognises the importance of Croydon to its plans and has agreed to work with us and local enterprise partnerships to build the case for expansion and to develop a strategic plan for the Gatwick Diamond to ensure the maximum level of economic benefits to Croydon and the M23 corridor."
The council's interim chief executive Nathan Elvery is preparing a full report on the implications of the expansion for the December cabinet meeting.
