Durham Tees Valley Airport growth delayed by planning dispute
15.06.06
A £56m airport redevelopment and thousands of jobs are under threat in a planning dispute.
The multi-million pound expansion of Durham Tees Valley Airport, which could create up to 6000 jobs, has been delayed by more than a year by owner Peel Airports Limited.
Peel said its plans to build a business park on a greenfield site next to Durham Tees Valley Airport were crucial if the expansion was to go ahead. The company needs the development to help fund improvements to the terminal, aircraft stands, and a sewage treatment plant.
Peel took over the airport when the consortium of local authorities that ran it sold its majority shareholding in the business. At the time, councillors said the a commercial deal was the only way to secure major investment.
Peel, which operates the Liverpool Airport, promised a bright future for the facility, giving Durham Tees Valley a chance to compete on equal terms with Newcastle Airport. However, Peel's plan to create a business park has been opposed by people living in Middleton St George.
Although planning officials at Darlington Borough Council have not discussed the issue in public, a report has revealed a rift between the authority and the airport operator.
Villagers in Middleton St George support the expansion, but believe the park is in the wrong place. They believe it should be on a vacant brownfield site nearby.
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