COUNCILLORS have said they are opposed to expansion plans at Southampton Airport - that could double the number of passengers over the next decade.

It comes after the proposal was met with mixed reviews from locals  who took the chance to see them at a public meeting last week.

Residents shared concerns over noise and air pollution, as well as falling property values, after the proposals to extended its runway went on display at Bitterne Park School.

As previously reported, bosses are looking to double its passenger numbers over the next decade and create 500 new jobs by extending the northern end of the runway by around 170m.

Daily Echo:

Now, Twyford Parish Council has objected to the Draft Masterplan 2037 document, telling villagers in a newsletter: “The village of Twyford is eight miles from Southampton Airport, and sits directly under the flight path as planes land or take off.

“The residents of Twyford are already subjected to noise, pollution and additional traffic generated from the existing airport. Expanding the airport exacerbates the problem, and is detrimental to the quality of life in the village.

“Since the publication of the consultation, there are additional concerns over noise pollution in Twyford, particularly due to the increase in volume in flights and size of planes that will be using the airport in the future.”

It added: “No further intensification of the current use of the airport should take place and steps to reduce the current levels of noise and disturbance should be the priority.”

Daily Echo:

Neil Garwood, managing director of the airport, previously told the Echo: “I have met with dozens of business leaders, councillors, MPs and hundreds of passengers and the common message was that they wanted the airport to extend its route network.”

Public consultation on the plans closes on October 30.