SOUTHAMPTON International Airport must draw up a "master plan" explaining how it hopes to grow over the next 30 years, the government has announced.

The document must state whether bosses hope to extend the airport's boundaries to cope with a predicted increase in the number of flights and passengers.

It should address the likely impact of any development on people living close to the airport, which has an estimated 1,000 workers, and any detriment to the environment.

The blueprint must also take into account access to the airport and it must set out proposals to develop road and rail links to terminal buildings.

Aviation minister Tony McNulty described the master plans as a "significant step" in enabling airports to plan for expected increases in air travel.

He said: "It will play an important role in informing council planning process and will help local people to understand the scale and impact of proposals for airport development.

"The guidance will give airport operators a clear indication of the range of issues which the government would like them to address as part of this process."

Mr McNulty has asked the 30 largest airports in Britain to draft a blueprint in the wake of the government's Aviation White Paper, The Future of Air Transport, which was published in December.

This predicted a massive increase in the number of passengers travelling by air - and expected airports would need to expand.

Setting down the predictions for its future growth will give councils and residents an early indication as to how the airport, runways and building might develop.

Bosses must produce an outline master plan by the end of the year. A detailed one must be on the table by December 2005.

The benefits of having a master plan have been highlighted with figures for last month. Passenger figures were up by 13.1 per cent to 137,026 - equivalent to more than 4,500 passengers a day.

There was also a 6.2 per cent rise in the number of commercial aircraft that month, with 3,144 planes.

Residents living under the flight path have demanded action after a rise in aircraft noise.

Eastleigh Borough Council has taken complaints daily and says the problem increased dramatically after the introduction of lowcost Flybe flights.

Airport managing director David Cumming said: "We believe we are addressing all the relevant areas in line with the guidance provided by the government.

"We will be consulting with all our key stakeholders as part of this process.

"The government's White Paper on the future of air transport recognises thevaluable role of Southampton Airport, and supports its growth to allow it to cater for local demand."