Southampton Airport expansion plans discussed again

Published 8th Apr 2021

Bosses at Southampton Airport say their survival is at stake as plans to extend the runway are again discussed by councillors.

The 164 metre extension to accommodate larger planes was blocked by a committee last month over noise and environmental concerns.

Today (Thursday 8 April 2021) proposals will be debated by all councillors in Eastleigh.

The full council meeting, starting at 2pm, will be held online.

The borough council said it is “likely” that the final decision will either be made very late on Thursday evening or Friday morning or the council meeting will reconvene on Friday at 6pm.

It comes as at the end of March the plans were rejected by the Eastleigh Local Area Committee after an almost 17-hour long debate.

The move means that the final decision will now have to be taken by full council.

Members will hear comments from those against the proposals, from those in favour and from Southampton Airport bosses.

Councillors would then have the opportunity to ask further questions and clarification to the planning officer before a debate begins.

According to the council, the debate will be limited to five minutes per councillor.

At the end of the debate, all 38 councillors will be asked to vote.

Their decision could result in the plans being approved, rejected or deferred.

Both an approval or rejection could be challenged, meaning the plans would then be considered by a planning inspector.

It the decision is deferred, it will be considered by full council in Eastleigh at a later date.

As previously reported, planning officers have recommended for the plans to be approved.

But last month members of the Eastleigh Local Area Committee rejected the proposals on the grounds of climate change, noise and pollution.

The plans have proved controversial and have divided public opinion.

Airport bosses, businesses and some residents have backed the scheme saying it would boost the local economy and create new jobs.

But campaigners, some residents and some local councils – including Southampton City Council – raised concerns over the impact the runway expansion would have on climate change and noise.