PLANS to build a warehouse on an ecologically sensitive part of Teesside Airport have been deferred.

Councillors at Darlington Borough Council decided to defer a planning application by LV Shipping of Holland after hearing objections from the airport.

The air freight company wants to build the development on the site to the north of the main access road, opposite Cleveland Motor Homes. It will create 28 jobs.

Airport chiefs feel that the present plans will spoil the sense of arrival at the airport and that it's is incompatible with the scale of adjoining development.

Gordon Smith, property advisor to Teesside Airport, said: "We are in discussions with LV Shipping and have made proposals to them for an alternative site. Teesside Airport will do all it can to accommodate LV Shipping.

"We will support any development that brings any prosperity and jobs to the area but the siting and design of it is crucial."

Planning officers recommended to grant permission subject to 17 conditions.

Councillor Gordon Plummer said: "If we are going to make Teesside Airport acceptable for the public we need to get this right and make it look attractive. If we don't we won't get industry and jobs."

Councillors agreed to defer the application while discussions between the airport and the shipping company continue.