A PLANNING consultant says proposals for a new business park at Durham Tees Valley Airport are unacceptable.

Middleton St George Parish Council has called on Dr John England, of chartered town planners England and Lyle, as it debates proposals for a £56m expansion.

Peel Holdings has applied for the extension and refurbishment of the terminal, cargo and maintenance village, extended car parks, aircraft stands, bus and taxi stops and a new sewage treatment plant.

An outline application has been made for a business park, hotel, public house and restaurant, car parks and landscaping.

Dr England told this week's parish council meeting that a letter should be sent to Darlington Borough Council outlining local complaints. Residents are unhappy about the proposed business park for the airport's north side.

Dr England said: "The location of the business park proposed is not acceptable. It is clear that the airport has not considered other alternatives, which might be more acceptable in planning terms."

The parish council also has concerns about other aspects of the airport's developments, particularly the prospect of 24-hour flying.

Chairwoman Doris Jones said: "There is a certain level that is beyond a village's endurance. We certainly want to take this as far as we can, but I would like to think we can still leave the door open with the airport management. We ask them to be good neighbours to us as we are trying to be to them."