Controversial plans to extend the runway area at Gloucestershire airport have been given an initial green light by city councillors.

Following a heated three hour debate and evidence gathering meeting last night, councillors recommended that the plan be approved and that land is handed over to the airport to make the expansion possible.

Airport directors and supporters say the 30-metre extension is critical if they are to meet safety regulations and enable profitable commercial flights to continue.

But dozens of protestors from across the county oppose the scheme which they say is really a plan to expand airport operations.
They are worried about increased noise and air pollution, the cost of the scheme to tax payers and future viability of the airport.
Despite concerns, Gloucester City Council's airport scrutiny task group voted unanimously to recommend that the Gloucestershire Airport Runway Safety Project be approved.
The recommendations will be considered by all council members in January.
Among the speakers at the meeting was Airport Director Mark Ryan (pictured).
In an impassioned speech to the committee, he said: "If the project does not go ahead, we will lose air traffic and fire control and business users would be forced to re-locate.
"The solution in our opinion is to go ahead with this relatively small project.
"This project is safety critical and must be seen as a priority, I urge you."
He was backed by all members of the task group and a number of borough and parish councillors.
Coun Jeremy Hilton, a county councillor and non executive director of the airport, told the meeting: "The project is critical not only from a financial point of view but it's important for aviation safety."
Yet Mr Ryan faced the protests from 40 people with placards who lobbied Gloucester City Council representatives prior to the meeting.
They fear that demolishing two homes at the site to extend the runway clearance zone will lead to more commercial flights at Staverton.
Feelings ran high as protestors sitting in the meeting clapped and shouted.
Neil Marshall, member of Concerned Residents Against Staverton Expansion (CASE), said: "We are worried about more airplanes, bigger airplanes, more damage to the environment and more noise."
David Christmas, chairman of the city council's environment and ecology forum, said: "This is not about safety but expansion. Your commercial agents say don't sell the land – how can the city council justify taking on more debt? I urge you to keep your eye on the prize which is a 400 acre site midway between Gloucester and Cheltenham and look to a more sustainable future."
Coun Jonathan Whittaker said: "I'm rather alarmed by some of the speakers. We are not talking about deciding between the imminent closure of the airport and its expansion.
"Most jobs will continue whatever we decide. I have a duty to ensure the council acts in a responsible manner. And these plans do not benefit the majority of residents in Gloucestershire and could end up a costly mistake.
"This is being driven for the benefit of the exclusive few. It will not drive the economy of Gloucestershire or the redevelopment of Gloucester but benefit executives on jollies."
Steve Mills has lived in Bamfurlong Lane near for to the airport for 25 years and says he has recorded planes flying over his house at 5am and 11pm.
He said: "Out of hours flying has continued to rise. If these plans go ahead with the increase in jets it will lead to more noise."
The airport is owned by Cheltenham Borough and Gloucester City councils.
It serves business and general flights including scheduled services to the Isle of Man, Jersey and Belfast, and last year it handled 80,855 flights.
Earlier this year Cheltenham Borough approved its application to extend the runway safety area.
The recommendations agreed by the airport scrutiny task group will now go to the council's cabinet and later all council members for a formal decision.
The final decision about expansion plans will be made by Tewkesbury Borough Council, which has planning jurisdiction over the site.

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