91Èȱ¬

Guernsey Airport's runway redevelopment has moved one step closer with the submission of plans for the £81m project.

The Public Services Department said if planning permission and final States approval were granted then work would start before the end of the year.

Minister Bernard Flouquet said the contract with Lagan Construction was due to be signed in the autumn.

He said if the deadlines were met then any additional costs would be avoided.

Deputy Flouquet said: "We are currently on track to meet that deadline, which will help avoid any unnecessary delay and additional costs.

"This is a vital, strategic project, which will maintain the airport's current operational capability and help safeguard the island's air links.

"Therefore the sooner we can complete it the better."

The planning application includes an environmental impact assessment, which looks at the possible noise, light, air quality and ecological impacts of the work during the construction phase and in the longer term.

The planning process will include a public consultation.

The final project budget is due to be released next month and debated by the States in July.

If approved the project would be the largest undertaken at the airport since it opened in 1939 and is aimed at equipping the airfield for a 30-year lifespan.

The planned works, which are expected to take about two years to complete, include resurfacing the current runway, re-positioning it 120m to the west and creating longer safety areas at both ends.

The concrete apron areas next to the terminal, where planes park, would also be replaced and a completely new drainage system installed.

The existing taxiways, which link the aprons and runway, also require resurfacing and realignment along with new ground lighting and navigational aids.

The approach lights to the east and west of the airport will also move.