Airport's new passenger handling facility approved

The airport plans would boost the area's economic, social and environmental conditions, according to a report

Plans to build a new passenger handling facility at Blackpool Airport have been approved.

The proposed scheme to allow the handling of up to 45 passengers was given the green light by Fylde Council planners.

A report setting out the decision said: "The proposal complies with the development plan and would improve the economic, social and environmental conditions of the area. It therefore comprises sustainable development."

It follows a meeting of Blackpool Council, which owns the airport on Squires Gate Lane, was told the site would be retained for aviation as part of the overall strategy for the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone.

The planned development will deliver an area capable of handling up to 45 passengers

Planning documents were also submitted to Fylde Council in August for permission to build a solar farm at the airport, but the scheme would mean the loss of one of the airport’s two runways – which is less used – if it goes ahead.

At a full council meeting, councillor Mark Smith, cabinet member for economy and built environment, said: "We are developing the enterprise zone into a business hub for the town and the new link road should be finished mid-next year. And we are still going to retain the runway and the airport."

The current approval was for full planning permission to demolish the existing administration office and replace it with a single-storey vehicle search point (VSP) and new offices.

The development will deliver an enhanced arrivals and departures area capable of handling up to 45 passengers, as well as a larger security checkpoint to host new X-ray and scanning equipment recently purchased by the airport.

It would allow the airport to grow the number of corporate aircraft, executive and charter flights it could handle.

The application, which was also submitted in August included a 60-space car park and new security fencing.