High Court dismisses applications for judicial review challenge over grant of permission for airport expansion

The High Court has rejected two applications from organisations seeking permission to bring a judicial review challenge over Eastleigh Borough Council’s decision to approve a runway expansion at Southampton International Airport.

The applications were made by Bournemouth International Airport Ltd and Group Opposed to the Expansion of Southampton Airport Ltd (GOESA).

In April this year Eastleigh permitted a 164-metre runway extension at the airport.

Council Leader Keith House, said, “This is good news and supports the decision made by the council to permit Southampton International Airport Ltd’s application to extend its runway. Councillors robustly considered a large number of representations from a wide range of stakeholders, as well as examining extensive evidence."

He added, "The council considered that the decision was taken in line with relevant legislation and planning policy frameworks. We were confident that both the way in which the decision was taken, and the arguments to justify it, were lawful and sound and this has been supported by the High Court."

The applicants have seven days to appeal the decisions.

Rigby Group, which owns Bournemouth Airport, told the BBC: "We are understandably disappointed with the decision and considering our options "