Alderney's Building and Development Control Committee has given the green light to lengthening the runway and building a new terminal and fire station.

The five strong committee met on Thursday afternoon (30 May) in public, and approved the plans with one condition, relating to drainage in the car park.

The scheme was initially given the go ahead by Guernsey's States in December 2022 at a cost of £24M.

It is understood that estimate has risen, given inflationary pressures and the general costs of construction.

Alderney has agreed to put some money towards the project.

The rationale behind the runway lengthening is that Aurigny can operate its ATR 72 aircraft into the island, although not at full passenger capacity, but nevertheless saving it money on the costly Alderney routes.

The existing runway is in poor condition and repairs have meant the airport has been closed for flying at times. 

The process of appointing a contractor for the rebuild is yet to be finalised.

If the project does go ahead as planned, then part of the fire training ground at the western edge will be concreted over.

This area encroaches on the former SS concentration camp, Lager Sylt. Prominent conflict archaeologist, Dr Caroline Sturdy-Colls, says any excavation of the site before building should be done sensitively.