BOURNEMOUTH Airport bosses are “disappointed” after losing a challenge to plans for an extended runway at their Southampton rival.

The owners of the Hurn site were behind one of two applications for a judicial review into the decision to approve the scheme.

Southampton Airport had argued that its plans to extend its runway by 164 metres, allowing larger aircraft to use the airport, were vital to its future.

The other application to the High Court was made by Group Opposed to the Expansion of Southampton Airport Ltd.

Eastleigh Borough Council, which decided the application, said it had received notice from the High Court that both applications have been refused. A spokesperson for Bournemouth Airport said: “We are understandably disappointed with the decision and considering our options “

Eastleigh council leader Cllr Keith House said: “This is good news and supports the decision made by the Council to permit Southampton International Airport Ltd’s application to extend its runway.

“Councillors robustly considered a large number of representations from a wide range of stakeholders, as well as examining extensive evidence. The council considered that the decision was taken in line with relevant legislation and planning policy frameworks.

“We were confident that both the way in which the decision was taken, and the arguments to justify it, were lawful and sound and this has been supported by the High Court.”

The applicants now have seven days to appeal the decisions.

Campaigners previously aimed to raise £100,000 towards the judicial review and called for the decision to undergo “independent scrutiny”.