PLANS to expand Southampton Airport were met with mixed reviews from locals who took the chance to see them at the penultimate consultation.

Residents from across the area expressed concerns over noise and air pollution, as well as falling property values after the proposals to extended its runway were on display at Bitterne Park School.

As previously reported bosses are looking to double its passenger numbers over the next decade and create 500 new jobs for locals.

 

The plans would extend the northern end of the runway by around 170m.

Last month, civic chiefs and business bosses welcomed the project, with Eastleigh MP Mims Davies saying it could deliver a thriving airport with a strong environmental footprint.

The longer runway would mean existing aircraft using the airport could carry heavier loads and more fuel and so allow them to fly further. This would bring more Mediterranean destinations into reach of Southampton.

Such an extension could also allow larger narrow-body aircraft, such as the Airbus A319/A320 and Boeing 737-800 with 150-190 seats, to use Southampton.

However some residents were quick to criticise the proposal.

Mike Benson, who has lived in Forest Hill Drive, Townhill Park since 1972, said he is fearful of how much pollution bigger planes may bring as well as the noise it could create.

He added: "I am so against this proposal. It's really not appropriate for this area."

 

John Murray, from Midanbury Lane, said: "We don't want anymore. No more planes, no more flights, no bigger runway. The site is big enough as it is. It doesn't need to get any bigger."

However, Lynne Symms, a committee member for Townhill Park Residents Association, says her opinion on the proposals had changed after visiting the consultation.

She said: "I wasn't very happy before coming here because there are so many flights coming over the homes in the area. It's had a big impact on the area.

"But I understand the plans more and as long as they stick to their promises and it does bring in more jobs perhaps it could be good.

"They say they want to create jobs for local people so that will be a great thing."

Neil Garwood, managing director of Southampton Airport, previously told the Echo: "I have met with dozens of business leaders, councillors, MPs and hundreds of passengers and the common message was that they wanted the airport to extend its route network."

The public have one final chance to see the proposals, which will be on display at Southampton Airport on Saturday between 9am and 1pm.