Construction of Southampton Airport’s 164m runway extension started earlier this month and is expected to complete later this summer. The extended runway is intended to facilitate a significant increase in route choices and passenger numbers.
The extension is hoped to secure the future of the airport, which has been hit hard in recent years following Covid-19 and the collapse of Flybe, its main operator. The airport forecasts the runway extension will increase passenger numbers to three million a year after the runway, a significant increase to the 300,000 passengers per annum seen in 2020 and 2021 in the wake of the Covid crisis and the collapse of Flybe in 2020.
The extension was given the go ahead by Eastleigh Borough Council in April 2021 and was initially subject to objections. This included challenges by way of judicial review sought by campaign group Airport Expansion Opposition Southampton over concerns that the plans would result in increased noise, traffic and pollution. Following initial rejection by the High Court, challenges were renewed by Group Opposed to the Expansion of Southampton Airport (GOESA) Ltd. However, a court decision in August 2022 confirmed the approved plans could proceed without further contest.
Following the downturn in passenger travel at the airport in recent years, and with the onset of the construction works, local residents are understandably likely to be apprehensive as to what the runway extension will mean for them including the potential negative impact on the value of their properties.
As specialist Land Compensation Act solicitors, Hugh James is available to provide advice to worried homeowners. We have successfully recovered over £4.6m in compensation for homeowners impacted by airport development including the second runway at Manchester Airport and the extension to the runway at London Southend Airport.
