CIVIC chiefs in Winchester have objected to the plans to expand Southampton Airport.

Winchester City Council raised concerns over the proposals to expand the airport’s runway by 164 metres and decided to object to the scheme.

It comes as Southampton City Council has also objected to the plans.

As previously reported, Southampton Airport is also seeking permission to add an extra 600 parking spaces to the existing long stay car park.

Airport bosses said the expansion is needed to ensure the airport continues to be viable. They promised the airport will grow “sustainably and responsibly”.

But cabinet members at Winchester City Council decided to object to the scheme.

In an official document, councillor Jackie Porter, cabinet member for built environment and wellbeing in Winchester, said: “The City Council is concerned that there would be a material adverse impact on the amenity of Winchester District’s residents caused by likely increased levels of noise resulting from additional flights which would not be adequately mitigated. The expansion plans would significantly increase the carbon emissions generated by the airport which have not been adequately mitigated by the development to the detriment of the climate.”

She also added: “The minimal positive effect on the economic prosperity of Winchester District is far outweighed by the adverse impacts the expansion plans would have on the District’s environment in terms of noise amenity and carbon emissions.”

On Tuesday night Southampton councillors also decided to object to the plans.

The impact the expansion would have on noise and climate change was among the reasons for the objection.

As previously reported, the final decision is expected to be made by Eastleigh Borough Council in the coming months.

But neighbouring local authorities are asked to give their views on the scheme before the proposals will be further scrutinised by councillors in Eastleigh.

Earlier this week, Neil Garwood, managing director at Southampton Airport, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that all stakeholders’ views will be considered.

He added: “There are many many people that are very positive about the expansion of the airport and we need to make sure we meet their expectation. It is important for us to clarify the information - that is part of the process. We look forward to determination from Eastleigh Borough Council in the next few months.”

The airport expansion is expected to create 400 new jobs and boost financial investment from £160m a year to £275m.