AIRPORT chiefs in Coventry have slammed the decision to block their expansion plans as short-sighted, but investment plans will still go ahead.
The reaction came as Government inspectors returned their decision not to allow a new passenger terminal, capable of handling more than two million passenger a year, to be built at the Baginton site.
After almost four years and two full-scale enquiries, the Secretaries of State for Communities and Transport have concluded that the environmental impact and noise from the proposed development would significantly harm the quality of life for nearby residents.
They have also stated that public transport to and from the site is a problem as well as the airport's relationship with nearby Birmingham International, which has always opposed any expansion at Coventry.
But Coventry Chief Executive Chris Orphanou, said it would be business as usual for the airport.
He said: "We are bitterly disappointed with this decision as an airport and because of the impact it will have on the region.
"Despite this setback, we believe our investment plans will only be delayed slightly.
"We have already invested more than £5 million as part of the improvement programme and we will continue to move forward with developing other aspects of the business, in particular our airline route network.
“In our view this decision is extremely short-sighted and not in the best interests of the region. We have established strong working relationships with local businesses, Chambers of Commerce, local communities, tourist bodies and tour operators to promote Coventry and the economic development of the West Midlands.
"Today’s negative outcome is a stumbling block we intend to overcome.”
But Warwick District Council, is pleased the issue has finally been resolved, after the ongoing saga which is estimated to have cost taxpayers more than £750,000
Head of communications, Richard Brooker, said: "The decision supports the view of the Council that whilst the principle of limited development at Coventry Airport is in accordance with National and Regional policy, it must also be dependant on appropriate constraints and mitigation measures being put in place.
"The Government has concluded that the mitigation measures proposed by the Airport are insufficient to compensate for the additional impact of the proposal.
"The council has always accepted that this was a matter that Government would ultimately need to determine.
"The council is therefore satisfied that this issue has now been resolved at this level and that there is now a clear framework for applying planning policy to the airport.
Coun John Hammon, added: “I am very pleased that the Government has finally resolved the issue of the impact of Coventry Airport on the local area.
"This council has been faced with great difficulties in dealing with the airport’s ambitions for expansion, balancing the concerns of the local community against wider regional and national policy.
"In refusing the proposal for a terminal, this decision now provides the clarification the Council needs and acknowledges the concerns of the local community.
"It is a good decision and one I am sure will be welcomed by many.”
• Coventry airport was bought in 2006 by CAFCO-C, who at the time pledged to improve the airport for the anticipated increase in passengers.
Facilities already completed include increased parking, improvements to the runway, ground lighting and improvements to air traffic control.
Before this latest decision, a £50m programme had been finalised to include the construction of the new terminal building and a new hotel