Southampton Airport decision postponed

LDRS

A DECISION on plans to expand the runway at Southampton Airport has been pushed back.

A final decision on controversial proposals to extend the runway by 164m was set to be made at a public meeting on December 17.

But the meeting has been pushed back and will be held next year following a new public consultation.

An exact date is yet to be confimed.

But in a statement Eastleigh Borough Council said: “The Eastleigh Local Area Committee meeting, scheduled for 17 December, to consider Southampton Airport’s planning application has been postponed and will now take place at a date to be confirmed in the New Year.

"This is at the request of Southampton Airport to submit additional information for the planning committee to consider. Once this information is received, there will be a further period of consultation for people to have their say.”

The news comes as last week Southampton City Council objected to the plans on the grounds of climate change and noise levels.

As reported, the plans proved to be controversial with campaigners raising concerns over the scheme and its impact on pollution and the environment.

But airport bosses previously said the future of the airport will be hanging in the balance if the proposals are rejected.

Earlier this year Southampton Airport amended the proposals following a number of public consultations.

Among the main changes to the plans there are proposals to cap the airport’s growth up to three million passengers per annum by 2033.

Further planning approval would then be required to vary the cap.

The airport also proposed to increase the financial compensation for acoustic insulation to households from £3,000 as originally offered, to £5,000.

It is not yet known what additional information airport bosses will add to the plans.

Southampton Airport has been approached for comment.