PLANS to build a warehouse on an ecologically-sensitive part of Teesside Airport have been deferred.

Councillors at Darlington Borough Council decided to defer a planning application by LV Shipping of Holland, after hearing objections from the airport.

The air freight company wants to build the development on a site to the north of the main access road, opposite Cleveland Motor Homes. It will create 28 jobs.

Airport bosses feel the proposed development will spoil the sense of arrival at the airport and is incompatible with the scale of adjoining development.

Gordon Smith, property advisor to Teesside Airport, said: "We are in discussions with LV Shipping and have made proposals to them for an alternative site.

"We will support any development that brings any prosperity and jobs to the area, but the siting and design of it is crucial."

Planning officers recommended approval subject to 17 conditions.

Councillor Gordon Plummer said: "If we are going to make Teesside Airport acceptable for the public we need to get this right and make it look attractive. If we don't we won't get industry and jobs."

Councillors deferred the application while discussions between the airport and LV shipping continue.