In April 2021 after 19 hours of discussion and deliberation the decision was taken by Eastleigh council to extend Southampton Airport’s runway by 164 metres. With over 200 people registered to speak online on this contentious decision, twenty-two councillors voted in favour of the proposals.
The decision has divided public opinion, with campaigners asking for plans to be refused on the grounds of climate change and noise pollution. However, residents and local businesses argued that the decision would boost the local economy and create hundreds of new jobs.
Over a thousand new jobs created due to the expansion plans
During the debate councillors were told that the expansion would create over a thousand new jobs, boost the economy and result in a £15m investment.
Steve Szalay, Operations Director at Southampton Airport stated ‘This is the news we have been hoping for and working so hard to achieve. By listening to the overwhelming public and business support, as well as the planning officer’s recommendation to approve, the councillors have safeguarded the future of the airport. The decision also ensures we are well placed to provide employment and support the region as we seek to recover post pandemic. A vote for the runway extension secures our future, it secures current jobs, it creates more jobs."
"There's nobody here denying a climate emergency. With a sound economy we can find a technological solution which would decarbonise the country. Back the airport, back the development of green technology. You tonight hold the keys to thousands of jobs. We appreciate that some of our neighbours have concerns regarding noise and the environment. Please be assured that we want to work with residents to mitigate these issues going forwards”.
Demand to increase rapidly for rooms
The expansion of the airport will mean that hundreds of workers will be looking to relocate and settle in the surrounding areas. Landlords and agents need to be ready for this rise in demand and prepare for a large number of enquiries for good quality accommodation for working professionals.
The ROOMS solution
ROOMS works with agents and landlords to source well-presented properties and then creates beautiful house shares for our working professional tenants. With our contacts in Southampton and Eastleigh we will be providing house shares for the increasing number of workers that will be moving to the area very soon.
We are always looking for suitable properties so if you are a landlord or agent please get in touch with us and we will be able to quickly come and view your property and assess what we can do together. We offer long-term contracts and take care of maintenance and tenants, leaving you with complete peace of mind.
If you are moving to the Southampton area soon then please get in touch to have a look at some of the amazing rooms we have on offer.
Our contact details for our Southampton branch are:
02382 546677
Contact the director of ROOMS Southampton Sophie Foote here:
