Southampton Airport runway extension rejected

Saturday 27 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.

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. 

Economic Development Minister Lyndon Farnham wrote to Eastleigh Borough Council's Chief Executive in December to emphasise the island's support for the runway extension.

Having addressed its role in helping island patients access medical services, and supporting the visitor economies in Jersey, Hampshire and the South West, he described the airport as a “key hub for Jersey”, adding that the “sustainability of the airport is critically important to the island for the future.”

CLICK TO ENLARGE: The 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.