Runway approved by council group

Proposals to extend Gloucestershire Airport's runway have moved a step closer after the city council recommended approval of the project.

The airport is jointly owned by Gloucester City Council and Cheltenham Borough Council and needs permission to remove houses at the end of the runway.

The recommendations included clauses to ensure the adoption of a Green Policy to control the environmental impact.

The recommendations will go to cabinet and then full Council in the new year.

'Operational flexibility'

Residents living under the flight path have expressed concern about the expansion.

Those opposed to the project say proposals to lengthen the runway will attract more commercial planes, more noise and increase pollution.

Darren Lewington, of Gloucestershire Airport, said: "We acknowledge that there is concern amongst local residents that we will be accommodating larger passenger aircraft and extending the airport's opening hours.

"This is not the case and we are happy to accept limitations on our operations through our Green Policy to ensure this, provided we retain the operational flexibility our customers demand."

The recommendations were made by Gloucester City Council's Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee.