The proposal to delay plans to test the interest of the private sector will be discussed by Brighton & Hove Council on 31st March following extensive consultation opportunities on expansion proposals earlier this year.

A 1,200 metre runway would accommodate small jets capable of servicing UK and some northern European destinations but it would require an realignment of the existing runway footprint which would increase the peripheral area affected by noise pollution. Without some form of commercial expansion the future of the runway is in doubt because it only just meets its operating costs but fails to defray its debts of over £3m.

The airport could become an important transport link in the future if Shoreham Maritime is developed (see earlier stories in KnowledgeBase) and it also has potential for a satellite Park & Ride site for the City.

The Brighton & Hove Economic Partnership (BHEP) supports the expansion of the airport and has included questions on its importance to local businesses in a transport questionnaire that it is conducting at the moment