SOUTHAMPTON Airport’s legal win over plans to extend its runway will ensure the success of many businesses across the Solent, it is claimed.

The airport's expansion looks set to go ahead after a legal challenge was thrown out by the High Court.

Peter Taylor, president of Hampshire Chamber, said: “The business community will undoubtedly welcome the outcome of the judicial review hearing to enhance Southampton airport’s ability to play a role in the continued development of the central south region.

“The southern region is strategically important to the UK in a post-Brexit, post-Covid, globally challenging environment.  

“The airport is a key element of our economic landscape. It is one of the features which attracts and will continue to attract new investment to our region as well as giving confidence for businesses to continue to base themselves here.

“In addition to the airport’s own supply chain needs, these outcomes will provide more opportunities for work for future generations, so that they can live, work and thrive in this wonderful part of the country.”

Gary Whittle, commercial director at Southampton-based Meachers Global Logistics, said: "As one of the UK’s leading independent providers of international freight and transport logistics services, the connectivity Southampton Airport provides is vital for us to continue to attract and service customers throughout Europe and beyond.


READ MORE: Southampton Airport wins High Court battle over runway extension


"The international trade links and additional routes that will be made possible through the expansion of the airport will play an important role in our own future growth and success, and the success of many other businesses in the Solent region."

A spokesperson for Port of Southampton operator ABP said: “We are pleased the scheme can proceed as planned to offer improved access for business and leisure travellers to come to the city.”

Property business Savills said the High Court decision confirmed that Eastleigh Borough Council had complied with planning law when it approved the runway extension after many hours of debate.

Gavin Hall, head of Savills Southampton office, said: “This is superb news as we believe that the airport is crucially important for the prosperity and regional connectivity of the Central South and its communities.”

Robin Henderson, a director at Savills who acted as the planning consultant for Southampton Airport, said: “The planning application contained a large amount of detailed technical information.


READ MORE: Southampton Airport runway extension: GOESA may appeal judicial review


“We were confident that the council had properly assessed and understood the planning application when it took the decision to grant permission.

“We are pleased that this has been confirmed by the decision of the High Court."

“The decision of the Court means that the airport can now progress with its investment in the runway extension.”

Keith House, leader of Eastleigh Borough Council said: “This is good news and supports the High Court’s previous decision in October 2021 to reject a Judicial Review of the decision made by the Council to permit an extension to the runway.

"This now means that the airport can move forward with its plans, save the airport for the future, generate jobs for our local economy and secure tough controls on overall passenger numbers to protect our environment”.

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