REPORT OF THE

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

ENVIRONMENT - SOUTH HAMPSHIRE AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

PART II

SOUTHAMPTON AIRPORT OUTLINE MASTER PLAN

1. In response to the Government White Paper "The Future of Air Transport", the BAA Plc (formerly British Airports Authority), the owner of Southampton International Airport, has produced an Outline Master Plan for the Airport for the purpose of public consultation. The Plan sets out the BAA's strategy for growth at the Airport up until 2030 and caters for more than double the number of passengers envisaged for Southampton in the White Paper.

2. The Executive Member has examined the report most carefully and has approved a response on behalf of the County Council which offers a cautious welcome to the Plan and reaffirms the Council's view of Southampton Airport as a regional gateway. Whilst the expansion is consistent with local policies, including sub-regional policies to improve economic performance, and has the potential to remove longer journeys that would otherwise be made to Gatwick and Heathrow, there is a need for the environmental and transport impacts of the proposed expansion to be assessed carefully. In particular the County Council has asked that safeguards are put in place to protect the local environment, including the collection of more comprehensive information on the issues of aircraft noise and air pollution and the establishment of firm targets to achieve greater use of non-car modes. The BAA has also been asked to make a commitment to contributing substantially towards the cost of necessary transport network improvements. A copy of the Outline Master Plan and of the County Council's response to the consultation may be inspected by arrangement with the Director of Environment (or see www.hants.gov.uk/environment/050815airport-consultation.hml)

3. The decision supports Corporate Strategy Aim 2 (Stewardship of the Environment) by seeking to protect the environment and ensuring that Hampshire remains a place where people want to live; and Aim 3 (Achieving Economic Prosperity) by influencing the development of a strong and sustainable economy.

5nR531105