CAMPAIGNERS are set to argue an expansion of Southampton Airport was unlawfully approved.

A judicial review hearing into the decision to allow a runway extension will start on Wednesday and is due to run for two days.

During the High Court hearing at London’s Royal Courts of Justice, it will be argued by lawyers acting for residents’ group GOESA Ltd that Eastleigh Borough Council acted "unlawfully".

READ MORE: 'It's not the end' - Campaigners remain confident after Airport legal challenge refused

Campaigners claim that the council gave permission while residents were waiting for a separate decision on whether a public inquiry would be held.

The controversial 164m development to the north of the existing runway was approved in June 2021.

However, council leader Keith House has said the authority has "every confidence" the review will fail.

Leigh Day solicitor Rowan Smith, representing GOESa, said: “There is a real issue of local democracy at stake here.

"How can it be lawful for Eastleigh Borough Council to promise to wait for central Government, to respond to local requests for further scrutiny of the airport extension, but then grant planning permission before allowing that oversight process to be completed?

"Our clients believe this should be properly examined by the High Court, and look forward to putting their arguments robustly to the Judge.”

READ MORE: Both legal challenges over expansion of Southampton Airport are thrown out

GOESA Ltd argues the council breached residents’ expectations it would not grant permission until the Communities Secretary ruled on their request for a public inquiry.

They claim the Town and Country Planning Regulations 2017 were breached by a failure to assess the effects of potential greenhouse gas emissions following an extension.

They also believe the council was influenced by a campaign claiming the airport would have to close if permission were not granted.

Cllr Keith House told the Echo: "The council has every confidence that the judicial review will fail with the decision to allow the airport permission for its short runway extension and the survival of the airport that is so essential for our regional economy.

"The council’s negotiation of a cap on passenger numbers is a real gain for the local community closest to the runway and gives them greater protection than was there in the past.

"The report presented by planning officers a year ago was clear, balanced, and considered carefully the points raised by objectors.

"We now need to move on, and get this short section of tarmac laid to allow the airport to survive.”

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News