A PLANNING inquiry will be held after a North-East council rejected plans for a lake and nature reserve on the grounds that high-flying birds could put airline safety at risk.

The Association of Teesside and District Angling Clubs applied for planning permission to transform a meadow at Bishopton, near Darlington, into an angling pond and nature conservation area to attract diverse species of birds.

But Darlington Borough Council rejected plans after Teesside airport bosses objected, saying the reserve was on a flight path.It also said the nearby road was unsuitable for an increase in traffic.

Views should be sent by letter in triplicate to The Planning Inspectorate, 3/26 Hawk Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN, quoting reference 02/00781/CU by Monday, July 28.