I stand corrected, it seems plans are well advanced to bring 26R/08L in to tandem operation for TO’s only by smaller jets and props, by 2026!
https://www.thetravelmagazine.net/gatwick-airport-plans-make-its-second-standby-runway-take-off.html
Government have confirmed they won’t appeal the decision! No surprise there seeing who the PM is ...
Maybe it was shrewd to continue with the M23 smart motorway improvements after all....