Southampton Airport's runway extension hopes grounded

Monday 29 March 2021

A planning committee has rejected an application to extend Southampton Airport’s runway.

After two days of talks, the Eastleigh Local Area Committee voted not to support a plan to lengthen the runway by 164m, which the airport's management describe as key to its future.

The application will now be discussed at a full meeting of Eastleigh Borough Council on 8 April.

Responding to the news, the airport’s operations director, Steve Szalay, said: “Naturally, we are very disappointed with the lack of support from the Eastleigh Local Area Committee.

“The committee did not support the recommendations of the planning officer and in doing so it has gone against the majority of Eastleigh residents who expressed their support during the consultation as well as the local business community.

“However, this is far from over. We now welcome the opportunity to present our plans to the full Council on 8 April. 

“We hope they will listen to the will of the people, the local business community and their own planning team and make the right decision for the future of the airport and seize the opportunity to create thousands of much needed jobs.”

Jersey’s government supported the runway extension, as did Alderney's - however there has been no word from the States of Guernsey.

CLICK TO ENLARGE: Jersey's Economic Development Minister's letter.

However, the proposal has faced strong opposition from campaigners, and Southampton City Council itself, over concerns about the environmental impact of extending the runway. Naturalist Chris Packham recorded a message urging councillors to reject the plans.