AIRPORT BUSINESS PARK EXPANSION PLANS APPROVED

Councillors have approved plans for a new business park at Newcastle Airport, which is expected to create up to 1,500 jobs.

The plans were recently approved by the council's Development Control Committee.

Local residents in Woolsington Village were concerned about an increase in traffic through the village but these problems have now been resolved.

Plans for access via Middle Drive have been dropped and all traffic will get into the park from Ponteland Road. Traffic calming measures are also proposed.

The £20 million scheme is part of ambitious plans to expand the airport.

The park will be on land south of the airport freight village and east of Main Road, Woolsington.

There will be 465 parking spaces and a small shop and cafe.

Ron Beadle, Newcastle North Parliamentary spokesman, says: "I am pleased that the concerns of local residents have been addressed.

"Creating up to 1,500 new jobs is especially welcome in these difficult financial times."