MAJOR development plans for Teesside International Airport were announced yesterday and are expected to create 6,000 jobs in the region.

The multi-million pound transformation will see the airport's terminal more than double in size, passenger numbers increase three-fold and the creation of a cargo and maintenance village and business park.

The massive expansion will be in response to a huge increase in air travel, with an estimated three million people expected to fly in and out of the airport annually by 2015.

Managing director Hugh Lang said the increase in passenger numbers at the airport, at Middleton St George, near Darlington, will bring with it 2,000 jobs at the airport and a further 4,000 jobs indirectly.

"In the past 12 months, passenger figures have increased by 28 per cent, with 900,000 people expected to use the airport this year," he said.

"At the moment, we have capacity for about 1.2 million passengers and, with the wind behind us, we are likely to reach that figure next year.

"This redevelopment is therefore essential. It will allow Teesside Airport to compete with the best, as a modern and vibrant airport for the Tees Valley."

The development has been met with scepticism by action group members who fought against a similar development in 1999 at a public inquiry.

Bob Pickersgill said: "It will put an enormous strain on the infrastructure. Roads surrounding the airport, particularly through Yarm, will not be able to cope.

"The council cannot just rubberstamp this with the promise of jobs. There are also serious concerns about the environmental impact."

The proposals for the site include:

* An extension of the existing terminal, refurbishment of the departures lounge and 4,500 car parking spaces.

* The provision of nine new aircraft stands, more apron space for planes and a new parallel taxiway to the north of the existing runway.

* A cargo and maintenance village for air freight handling and repair services.

* A large business park to the north of the terminal, with a 100-bed hotel, restaurant and car parking.

Peel Airports, which has a 75 per cent holding in Teesside Airport, is investing £20m over five years for the project.

Planning applications will be submitted to Darlington Borough Council towards the end of August.

In the meantime, an environmental impact assessment is being prepared, which will cover a range of issues including increases in air traffic, noise and air pollution and visual and ecological impacts.

Consultations are taking place with local parish councils and relevant agencies.

Mike Taylor, clerk of Middleton St George Parish Council, said members were in favour of the proposals.

"There is some concern about an increase of criminal activity at the airport, but we have been assured by Mr Lang that security will be stepped up considerably," he said.

Parish councillor and village post office boss Andy Hill said: "It is a positive move and at least it will create lots of jobs. So many industries have been lost from the village."

John Williams, leader of Darlington Borough Council, said: "It is good news because the expansion of the airport is a key to economic growth in the Tees Valley.

"But we will have to consider the quality of life of people living near the airport."

The airport will be running an exhibition next month to show members of the public the developments.