Good replies to the Rivet Joint comments,I hope the airport will continue,but I think times ahead are going to be troublesome,it may be that it won't be viable as a profit making airport and the land offers greater development opportunities!

It's being reported tonight that the airport management expects the vote to go against the proposals,it will go to the the full council assessment,but it looks increasing like a government final decision.It's going to be a long road and a possibility of not happening.The question is where does the airport go from here?

Think you have almost answered your own question and if it goes to the planning inspectorate in London, it will most definitely be passed. Along with the local planning inspector's recommendation for approval, the airport has been supported from day 1 by central government and has received various visits and backing from Aviation Ministers at the DOT. The local MP is Tory and levelling up of the regions and aviation connectivity was a manifesto pledge by the Conservatives at the last election so there is no way this will be revoked. Indeed, at present this is probably the quickest way for the airport to satisfy its shareholders!

I don't think many people have Southampton in mind when they think of "levelling up of the regions"! :ok:

It's becoming quite a theme, same thing happened at Bristol airport - planners suggested approval but council voted it down. That's at the Planning Inspectorate as well. One thing I would say regarding the Inspectorate, and I'm probably slightly biased as I've family who work there, they're quite far removed from the influence of central government, believe it or not. They will assess the plan on its merits and how it complies with the local planning policies - so if the local planners recommended approval I would suggest that's a very good sign!

Saying that, I'm not entirely convinced this extra bit of runway will do much to help improve connectivity within the UK if that is indeed the argument. The runway is perfectly adequate as it is for UK flights.

Have been following the meeting on Teams - the committee have voted against the recommendation - it will now go before the full Eastleigh Borough Council for a vote on April 8.

5 votes to 3 against.

The decision has made the future of the airport a major issue in the upcoming local elections. Maybe the councillors who voted against will be reminded that they are supposed to work for and represent the people who elected them.

That is why they voted against the application as they do represent the people who elected them.

Contrast Southampton with Luton where the planning authority is the airport owner so is not independent.

Public opinion here is firmly behind the proposal. It will go to full council now and hopefully be approved.

Can you substantiate that claim?

Across the wider region you're almost certainly right, but residents living in ear shot of the airport people will be concerned. Such concern exacerbated by sloppy local journalism and politicians looking for reelection.

Unfortunate timing
 

Eastleigh Borough Election May 6th

https://www.eastleigh.gov.uk/media/9...gh-council.pdf

I am within earshot and fully support it. Numerous other groups on social media do as well. The local MP supports it, along with planners. It will now go to full council to debate and hopefully approve.

Problem is that unless it's a rotten borough you aren't the only voter!!

On the subject of sloppy local journalism, where did the allegation that the reason for the runway extension is to enable the airport to accept "larger aircraft" originate?

In the imagination of poor journalists at best; malicious lies by campaigners and activists at worst.

Of course larger aircraft could lead to fewer movements and thus beneficial to the environment. Throw that one back at Packham!

TCAS FAN

Maybe Para 5.2 of the airports document linked to at post #300 above?

Previously...
"Comments that made me chuckle...ill informed drivel" & "sloppy journalism"... are not be assured peculiar to SOU they are par for the course in open debate & in the course of planning meetings too...the Airport operator/owner should have be able to assemble & counter far more effectively then.

The only larger narrow body they would probably be referring to is the A321. There have been plenty of visits by 757, A320, A319, 717, md80 and 737 over the years. Even had an il76 once or twice.