CAMPAIGNERS are to mount a legal challenge over a decision to expand the runway at Southampton Airport.

Aiport Expansion Opposition Southampton (AXO) are to challenge the decision taken by Eastleigh Borough Council to approve plans to expand the runway at Southampton Airport by 164m.

It comes as the group - which previously raised concerns over the proposals- has launched a fundraising campaign to pay for legal fees.

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In a statement it said: "We believe strongly that the council’s decision was wrong both in the way it was taken and the arguments to justify it.

"The airport has greatly overstated the economic benefits of expansion, which will adversely affect the quality of lives of around 46,000 residents, whilst hugely underplaying the environmental impact.

"We are calling for the decision to undergo independent scrutiny. Decisions such as these need full scrutiny and that can now only happen by Judicial Review."

The group confirmed campaigners have instructed a legal team led by Leigh Day and David Wolfe QC to pursue the case.

An appeal to raise money has also been launched.

It comes as the plans proved to be controversial and were approved by Eastleigh councillors in April this year following a 36-hour long meeting.

However, campaigners asked the government to call in the decision.

On June 3, Eastleigh Borough Council formally approved the plans after saying the government missed the deadline to call them in.

Campaigners had opposed to the runway extension on the grounds of pollution, noise and climate change.

Following today's news, Steve Szalay, operations director at Southampton Airport, said: “We are aware of the potential grounds of challenge from an opposition group against Eastleigh Borough Council’s decision to approve our runway extension application. We are extremely disappointed that the challenge from the opposition group may potentially add further delay to not only the project but also the creation of over 250 jobs as part of the construction phase. We are resolutely committed to these runway extension plans and the 2500 jobs it will protect and enable.”

A spokesperson for Eastleigh Borough Council said: “In considering Southampton International Airport Ltd’s application to extend its runway, councillors considered a large number of representations from a wide range of stakeholders, as well as examining extensive evidence.

"Our planning and legal officers ensured that the decision was taken in line with relevant legislation and planning policy frameworks.

"We are therefore confident that both the way in which the decision was taken, and the arguments to justify it, are sound.”