SOU is not the only regional airport facing strong opposiiton to its expansion plans.
BRS wants to further expand its infrastructure and have its current 10 mppa cap lifted to 12 mppa. As with its last major expansion application (which was approved in 2011) there is a well-orchestrated campaign that objects to that airport growing further. In fact, the current planning application was lodged with the local council (North Somerset unitary authority) a year ago next month and a determination date is still to be set. It won't be until next year now.
LBA wants to build a new terminal and opposition to that is strong too.
If regional airports around the country are prevented from expanding we as a nation will have to look to see how our economy and way of life can be moulded to accept that situation. It would contrast sharply with the likes of China that plans to build over 200 new airports in the next 15 years and India with 100 new ones planned in an even shorter timescale.