Southampton Airport to launch consultation on expanding runway

Airport bosses have confirmed that a consultation on proposals to expand the runway at Southampton Airport by 164 metres is scheduled to go live on Thursday once checks on the plans are completed by Eastleigh Borough Council.

Residents will then have 30 days to have their say on the proposals which also include plans to add an extra 600 parking spaces to the existing long-stay car park.

This week’s will be the second public consultation on the airport expansion.

The news comes as the initial plans were met with criticism as some residents raised concerns over the impact the expansion would have on the environment and pollution.

Neighbouring local authorities including Southampton and Winchester councils objected to the scheme.

A Southampton Airport spokesperson said: ‘Following a high level of excellent feedback received during the first public consultation last autumn, our planning team has listened to those comments, and made some significant updates and improvements in many key areas. Extending our runway is absolutely vital to the future of Southampton Airport.

‘Please show your support once the consultation goes live by leaving a comment. Even if you left a comment last time – please do so again. And if you didn’t support it last time, we would encourage you to take another look as the plans have evolved in many areas.’

A final decision is expected to be made by Eastleigh Borough Council.

A date is yet to be set, but as reported, last month borough council leader Keith House said the proposals might not be discussed until September at the earliest.