YORK will lose its aerodrome at Elvington - putting jobs at risk across the city - unless planners allow new hangars to be built.

That is the stark warning from airfield owners Elvington Park Ltd as they try to convince City of York Council to approve what they admit is an inappropriate development in the green belt.

The company says a £2 million backlog of repairs has built up following accelerating deterioration of the airfield surface, with drainage system problems causing subsidence which will require substantial expenditure. This week's snow and ice has exacerbated the cracking problems, said consultant Ian Wormald.

The company claimed the only established activity with the potential to save the runway is the development of the aviation business. But to do this, it must have hangar accommodation for air traffic control, fire and rescue, security and maintenance personnel. It has applied for a main block comprising six hangar bays, and a separate additional hangar.

Town planning consultants Spawforth Associates, acting on behalf of Elvington Park, said renting out hangars will substantially contribute towards the cost of carrying out repairs.

It said the airfield - with a 3.2km runway which can be seen from the Earth's orbit - has the potential to cater for burgeoning demand for business, corporate, air taxi, national and international air ambulance and private aviation, with potential to secure a Civil Aviation Authority licence to operate twin and multi-engine businesses and air taxi aircraft.

It insists the proposals involve "no intended increase" in the number of aircraft movements, and there will be no change in the hours of operation.

The company warned: "A city's ability to offer key business personnel direct and uncomplicated air access to international transport networks is now of fundamental importance in attracting and preserving high quality businesses."

It said that without convenient air transport, York was vulnerable to companies relocating.

Elvington Parish Council chairman Ian Bailey said: "There are already 14 airfields in the region providing some or all of the facilities that Elvington Park are providing for the airfield at Elvington. There is no justification whatsoever for building in the green belt when such facilities are already available elsewhere in the region."

Imelda Havers, chief executive of York-England.com, the inward investment board for York and North Yorkshire, said she could not comment on this specific application.

"But in principle, we support good access to the city, including access by air, which stimulates the economy - although we are not in favour of things which are environmentally damaging."

Updated: 10:05 Friday, February 25, 2005