A NORTH-EAST law firm has helped successfully challenge a planning decision to extend operations at an airport.

Bond Dickinson, which has offices in Newcastle and Stockton, advised farmer Gordon Brown in contesting a move by Carlisle City Council.

The authority previously granted permission for Stobart Air Limited to carry out work on the runway and a large road haulage distribution centre at Carlisle Airport.

The challenge was upheld by The High Court, with Bond Dickinson planning lawyers Frank Orr and Antonia Murillo, who are based in its Newcastle office, acting for Mr Brown.

The council argued permission should be granted because the runway works would enable commercial flights to operate from the loss-making airport, keeping it open.

However, Mr Brown said the likelihood of the benefits had not been properly assessed.