The decision by local planners on whether to give the go ahead to extend the runway at Birmingham Airport is expected next week. Responsibility for the decision lies with Solihull Borough Council. The application for an extension of the runway by 400 metres in length will allow a more extensive long haul network to be developed from the Midlands hub. Planning officers who work for the council have already recommended that councillors approve the project. The airport has ambitious growth targets of up to 27 million passengers by 2030. The cost of the project is budgeted at £130 million and would give the local economy a lift in these difficult economic times. At the present time the lack of a comprehensive long haul network is seeing many passengers being forced to travel to Manchester or Heathrow airports. We will inform as soon as we here of the outcome of the meeting.