AN airfield that started as a sideline to a farm business has taken off to such an extent that the couple who own it want to live on the site.

John and Beryl Morgan said the only way to manage Fishburn Airfield effectively was for them to build a bungalow on the site and move in.

The airfield was originally developed as a farm diversification scheme at West House Farm, Bishop Middleham. It was given permanent planning permission in 1994.

It developed over the years into a well established facility and earlier this year, permission was given to build an additional 18 hangars to support the expanding business.

Mr and Mrs Morgan have now submitted an application for permission to build a bungalow on the site.

The application will be heard by Sedgefield Borough Council's development control committee today.

A statement submitted by the couple's agents said their presence on the site would enable further investment in the airfield and would lead to increased safety and security, as well as the potential for further employment.

The statement said: "The airfield has become an important facility for business users and can only assist in boosting the image, profile and, ultimately, the economy of the area.

"Similarly, the airfield is increasingly used by tourists visiting the area or region, some of whom are from abroad. Such visitors will then be utilising locally based accommodation and facilities, again contributing to the economy of the area."

The agents also said that the growth of the airfield meant the couple had to live on-site to run it properly and questioned what might happen after their retirement if potential successors were unable do the same.

In the statement they said: "The likelihood would be the demise of the airfield, and this is something which should not be allowed to happen."

Planning officers said a dwelling could be justified because the business had been established for more than ten years and had a clear prospect of remaining.

The also said that copies of accounts submitted by the applicants showed the airfield was a financially viable enterprise.

Members of the development control committee will be recommended to approve the application.