The explanation of
the DfT's homepage
is as good an explanation as any:
'The White Paper 'The
Future of Air Transport',
published on 16 December 2003, sets out a strategic framework for
the development of airport capacity in the United Kingdom over the next
30 years, against the wider context of the air transport
sector.
It does not itself authorise or preclude any particular development, but sets out a policy framework which will inform decisions on future planning applications, and against which the relevant public bodies, airport operators and airlines can plan ahead. It sets out the conclusions of the Government, and of the devolved administrations where appropriate, on the case for future expansion at airports across the country. In doing so, it takes account of all relevant factors, including views expressed in an extensive consultation exercise which attracted over 500,000 responses.'
The fact that it does not authorise or preclude a development is of little significance. The remainder of that second paragraph makes the Government's commitment to airport expansion abundantly clear. The White Paper goes onto to suggest some expansion at nearly all airports in the UK, even going as far as suggesting that Glasgow and Belfast set reserve land currently not owned by the International airports for such future development. A generous service to the airports it must be said.
Southampton, however, was one of the
very few airports for which
the Government forecast little growth:
'There was
recognition in the consultation of the valuable role
of Southampton as a regional airport and support for some growth to
allow it to cater for local demand . . . . The airport operator
doubts that the airport could reach the capacity of 7mmpa suggested
in the consultation document, and believes that, within its current
boundary, the airport would more likely grow to a capacity of
2-2.5mppa.'
The White Paper expected the publication of airport Masterplans 'as soon as possible' (from 2003). The Masterplans are expected to set out developments up to 2015 in some detail, with 'detailed proposals for surface access, environmental controls and mitigation, and, where appropriate, measures to address blight.' They should also include 'indicative land use plans' for the period from 2016-2030.