THE debate over what is expected to be the final decision over plans to expand the runway at Southampton Airport has begun.

A full council meeting at Eastleigh Borough Council to decide whether to approve plans to expand the runway by 164m started today at 2pm and is currently under way.

Members have been told that it is possible that the meeting would have to resume tomorrow at 6pm.

It comes as this afternoon councillors heard from people against the scheme and are now expected to hear from those in favour of the runway expansion.

The meeting began with a debate on whether the decision should be deferred to later this year.

But the motion put forward by Cllr Gin Tidridge to defer the decision was blocked after 23 of the 36 councillors voted against it.

In the first hours of the debate councillors were told that the expansion would have an impact on noise and the environment but mitigation measures would be put in place.

They were also told that the move would create hundreds of jobs with the number of jobs at the site expected to go from 475 to 1,410 in 2037, if the plans are approved.

Andy Grandfield, head of housing and development at Eastleigh Borough Council, told councillors that the financial viability would be an issue that the airport would need to consider if the plans are refused.

But he added: “But it does not mean the airport would close as a result of the application being refused should it be refused. There are alternative areas of funding the airport would need to explore and it would be difficult but members I do need to advise that the airport have not asked us to consider that the runway is the only way in which the airport could remain as a business.”

Dozens of residents asked councillors to refuse the proposals on the grounds of climate change, noise and pollution. It comes as it was revealed that about 46,000 would be affected by noise if the plans are approved.

Resident Ron Meldrum said: “We know that noise would damage people's mental health. This is simply the wrong place for a major airport."

A representative of Extinction Rebellion Winchester added: “This is a hard decision and one that has huge consequences for everyone. Please today make a bold decision, a necessary decision and oppose this expansion."

Naturalist and TV presenter Chris Packham, was also among those who submitted an objection. He said: "We are faced with a decision. We can carry on as normal, except that normal won't last very long before it precipitates in a disaster or we can do something brave."

Officers were told that mitigation measures would include financial contribution towards noise insulation; a cap on vehicles to restrict passengers to 3m per annum; a carbon strategy and a noise insulation policy.

Planning officers recommended for the plans to be approved.

The debate continues.