Airfield expansion plan dismissed

The airfield's runway is one of the longest in Britain

Plans to expand a North Yorkshire airfield which could have led to 10,000 extra flights each year have been thrown out after a public inquiry.

The company that owns Elvington Airfield, near York, had applied to build a 60-bay hangar to store corporate planes and helicopters.

But the City of York Council and many residents were concerned about building on the greenbelt and increased traffic.

The planning inspector decided the scheme would have a detrimental impact.

Currently, there are about 800 flights operating at the site every year.

Owners Elvington Park Ltd has said the planned expansion would have created jobs and offered improved business and leisure opportunities.

The firm said it was extremely disappointed by the decision, but would not comment further until it has had time to study the inspector's decision in detail.