THE draft master plan for Exeter International Airport will be considered by Devon County Council s Environment, Economy and Culture Scrutiny Committee on Monday (18 August.

THE draft master plan for Exeter International Airport will be considered by Devon County Council's Environment, Economy and Culture Scrutiny Committee on Monday (18 August).

The committee will be presented with an overview of the document by Regional and City Airports, the owners of Exeter International Airport, and Flybe.

Following a preliminary meeting by the Airport Task Group in July, a number of questions were raised which will be put to the representatives.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Chairman of the Environment, Economy and Culture Scrutiny Committee, said: "We welcome this opportunity to comment on the draft master plan for Exeter International Airport and to discuss the proposals directly with the airport owners and Flybe."

Councillor Gordon Hook, Vice Chairman of the Environment, Economy and Culture Scrutiny Committee, said: "It will be interesting to look in more detail at how the site could develop by 2030 and I'm particularly concerned at the environmental impact. This is a good chance to ask questions as part of the public consultation process into the document."

Issues which are expected to be mentioned include:

* How other planned developments have been taken into consideration in the plan, in particular the development at Cranbrook;

* How sustainable transport will be encouraged to link to the airport;

* The impact of the airport on the environment and local ecology;

* Plans for the proposed Flybe Training College.

The draft master plan sets out ideas and aspirations for the future of Exeter Airport and it also aims to stimulate debate. Public consultation is currently underway on the draft until 30 September, and observations will be considered for incorporation in the adopted master plan, which will be published by the end of the year.