A MEETING to discuss plans to extend an airport runway is set to take place this month.

On March 25, Eastleigh Local Area Committee will be considering a planning application to extend the runway at Southampton airport to accommodate for bigger planes.

The plans are said to be important for the survival of the airport splitting opinion as some have objected claiming that the extension would have an impact on noise and pollution.

Supporters say the plans will be good for not only the airport, but the areas economy, with more people heading to the airport in Eastleigh rather than travelling to airports like Heathrow or Gatwick.

The meeting to consider the plans is starting at 10am and will be held online on Microsoft Teams.

Scheduled breaks have been built into the agenda and the council has now put guidance out on its website for those who want to take part.

If people want to address the committee they have been asked to contact Democratic Services democratic.services@eastleigh.gov.uk or telephone 07823 626625 or 07876 217751 as soon as they can.

A spokesperson for the council said: “The team will be happy to guide you through this new process and the available participation options.”

Those taking part will need to use a desktop device as a mobile device will not work and they will need a reliable internet connection.

Participants can either speak, provide an audio or video statement or provide a written statement that will be read out on their behalf.

Equal time has been allowed for those wanting to speak for or against the plans and each person will have three minutes to share their thoughts with the committee.

All participants will have up to three minutes each with equal time allowed for those wishing to speak for or against.

The deadline for registering and submitting statements for the meeting is 12pm on Friday March 19.

Those who want to have their say should provide democratic services with all necessary materials by the deadline date.

Written statements should take no longer than three minutes to read.