SOUTHAMPTON Airport has welcomed news that legal challenges against the extension of its runway has been refused. 

In July this year, an application for a judicial review was submitted to the High Court by a company under the name of GOESA Ltd.

Set up by the opposition of the runway extension, an online fundraising page was set up to fund the review which raised over £60,000. 

But now, Eastleigh Borough Council, the authority that granted permission for the 164 metre runway extension earlier this year, has reported that the High Court has refused two applications for judicial reviews. 

Following the news, a Southampton Airport spokesperson told the Echo: “Last night, Southampton Airport received the positive news that a judge had refused permission for various parties to bring forward a judicial review of Eastleigh Borough Council’s decision to approve our runway extension.

“The runway extension will deliver significant economic and employment opportunities to Eastleigh and the Central South, so this is a very welcome decision.

“The parties now have 7 days to appeal the decision made by the judge, so the airport will await any further developments.”

A second application for a review of planning permission for the runway was made by Bournemouth International Airport Ltd. 

The decision was also welcomed by Eastleigh's MP, Paul Holmes who said: “The High Court have made the right decision and I hope that opponents will now respect the democratic decision taken and the High Court’s ruling.

“Southampton Airport is absolutely vital to our local economy and supports over 1,000 jobs. The runway extension will bring even more jobs and much needed investment. This should be welcomed.

“It’s time to draw a line under this and get cracking on this exciting project.”