THE managing director of Teesside International Airport has reassured a business group there are no plans to sell the site.

Hugh Lang was responding to concerns raised by the Teesside Airport Independent Landowners Group, made up of businesses based at the airport, over Peel Holdings' plans for the airport's future.

Harry Armstrong, of the Spa Hotel, and vice-chairman of the landowners group, said that despite invitations, Mr Lang had not attended group meetings to discuss the plans. The group fears the land may be sold for housing.

"If they have nothing to hide, why won't he tell us what the plans are?" he said.

But Mr Lang said the suggestion Peel Holdings would sell the airport was ridiculous.

"We are not going to sell the airport, this is a long term investment," he said.

Mr Lang said even if they did want to sell the airport, the six local authorities as minor shareholders, would have to approve it.