AN MP has said he is "disappointed" by the decision to refuse Southampton Airport's runway extension plans.

Yesterday, Eastleigh Local Area Committee voted 5 to 3 to reject plans for an extension of the runway at Southampton Airport.

The debate lasted almost 17 hours and now the plans will go to a full council meeting on April 8 for a final decision.

Eastleigh MP, Paul Holmes spoke to the committee yesterday and urged councillors to back plans.

Speaking after the decision he said he was "disappointed" with the refusal.

Chair of the Committee, Cllr Tina Campbell said however that 34,000 people who are currently not affected by aircraft noise would be if the expansion goes ahead.

The MP added: "Members of the committee have chosen to ignore the advice of their own professional and technical experts who recommended approving the application with suitable mitigation.

“The decision will be referred to Full Council. I call on all Councillors to seize this opportunity to make the right decision, save our airport and protect people’s livelihoods.

“Failure to do so will be a slap in the face to the people of Eastleigh who overwhelming supported the runway extension to their local airport.”

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Campbell said: "That is a hell of a lot of people affected by noise and that really concerns me. Health issues cost money, that will cost the NHS to help people who are experiencing mental illnesses or respiratory problems."