By Jason Lewis, Local Democracy Reporter
The airport saw its request for a licence to carry out the work in South Stoneham Cemetery, which also involves cutting back a further 10 trees, approved by the city council’s cabinet in July.
Library photo of runway
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Southampton Airport chiefs held public engagement sessions on Tuesday, September 23, to provide more details on their proposals.
While local ward councillors have praised the airport for updating the community, those opposed to the project said they still have a range of worries.
Izzy Sargent, who lives in Swaythling and attended one of the sessions at the cemetery, said: “We know we don’t have enough mature trees in the city, so losing mature trees is a bad thing.
“I’m also now affected by the airport where I didn’t used to be affected by it, and that’s since the runway extension, and I don’t want that impact that I’m having to worsen.
“Ultimately, I’m really concerned about expanding airport activities when we know we can’t really do that.
“We’re in a world that the climate is starting to destabilise and we can’t fly the same way as we have done.”
The application for a licence came after an audit from the Civil Aviation Authority said a resolution was needed to manage the obstacle environment around the airfield.
The trees in question were described as a “significant barrier” to the operation of the site just north of the M27, according a report prepared on behalf of the airport by Savills.
At the July council cabinet meeting, airport bosses said the scheme would unlock “substantial economic benefits and employment” for the region.
It is understood that the licence is still yet to be issued.
Southampton Airport managing director Gavin Williams said: “As the airport operator, we are legally required to manage any obstacles that could pose a risk to aircraft using Southampton Airport.
“Our recent application to Southampton City Council concerned 29 trees, including some at South Stoneham cemetery, identified as obstacles to safe aircraft operations. Ensuring a safe environment is essential for maintaining and enhancing the region’s connectivity and prosperity.
“We recognise the sensitivities of this site and have worked closely with the Council, engaging with over 12,000 people to agree the best way forward. “
Mr Williamson said the application included a comprehensive replanting scheme for the cemetery and wider area, alongside new hedgerows and a meadow.”
Cllr Matthew Bunday, Liberal Democrat member for Swaythling, said his party take environment concerns seriously, with any tree felling “often far from ideal”.
He said: “However, we must also consider the need for economic growth and always have a pragmatic approach.
“Cllr Thomas Gravatt and myself have had several conversations with the airport and have scrutinised the plans closely.
“We believe that the airport is taking its environmental responsibilities seriously while also providing much needed investment into our community.
“They have actively sought to work with us and the community and be good neighbours.”
Labour Swaythling councillor Cllr Lorna Fielker said the sessions allowed residents to explicitly see the areas of the cemetery that would be impacted and where improvements would be made.
Cllr Fielker said: “I think it’s great the airport is investing heavily in both the cemetery and making other contributions to our community.
“It was really positive to hear residents who had previously been opposed to the plans after speaking directly with the airport are fully in support of what it is they’re looking to achieve.
“That is in order to protect and preserve the cemetery itself, but also to make sure the airport is viable in the future because we know how important it is for our local economy.”