Runway expansion plans discussed

The plans restrict the number of flights and operating times

Plans to lengthen the runways at Gloucestershire Airport and open them up to the commercial business flights are to be discussed.

The airport is owned by Gloucester City and Cheltenham Borough Councils.

Councillors will be asked to vote on whether each authority should apply for a £1.2m loan on the airport's behalf.

The money would pay for a new Instrument Landing System which will allow more planes to land in low visibility or low cloud.

Installing the system would comply with rules set down by the Civil Aviation Authority allowing commercial flights to take off and land at the airport.

Also included in the works is the demolition of two houses on the landing flight path.

'Green policy'

Under the proposal, the airport will repay the money as part of its business plan.

Councillor Les Godwin, chair of the Joint Airport Scrutiny Working Group (JASWG) - made up of six cross-party councillors - said: "The airport has now presented a valid business plan, together with a newly developed green policy which will restrict the number of flights and operating times, minimising the impact on local communities and the environment.

"We are satisfied that the airport has made a sound proposition, which is vital to its future success."

Cheltenham Borough Council will vote on the plans on 14 December and Gloucester City Council on 7 January.

Tewkesbury Borough Council gave planning permission for the project in September.