Airfield application decision due

The airfield was built in 1938 and used during World War II

Further legal advice on a decision which could affect the future of a proposed airfield is being sought by the Snowdonia National Park Authority.

The authority received 27 applications on behalf of Llanbedr Airfield Estates Ltd for a Lawful Use Certificate.

The Snowdonia Society lodged formal objections, claiming a commercial airfield contradicts the key aims of the authority.

The authority said current legal advice pointed to refusing the applications.

In a statement, it said: "Currently, the legal advice received is completely clear and unequivocal and leads to refusing the applications."

If that happens, the site's owners would have to apply for planning permission.

The authority said specialist legal advice had been sought, and it was awaiting for more information from a barrister - either this week or next week - before making a decision.

A statement added: "As these are applications for Lawful Use Certificates this is neither an expression for or against a development on the site in Llanbedr."

Llanbedr Airfield was opened before the start of the World War II as a military facility.

It was bought from the Ministry of Defence in December 2008 by a group of businessmen who say reopening the site will create hundreds of jobs in the area.

The sale, to Kemble Air Services, was approved by the Welsh Assembly Government.

The Snowdonia Society argues a commercial airfield will go against the key aims of the National Park to protect the landscape and give enjoyment to the public.