THE company hoping to transform Elvington Airfield, near York, has been given another chance to put its case forward after council planners decided not to throw out the plans.

Elvington Park Ltd wants to build six hangars on the airfield to provide an air taxi service which would allow business people to fly in from domestic and foreign airports and have access to businesses in the city. But officers had recommended the proposals be refused because the company had not provided sufficient information on the plans.

At a meeting held last night council planners voted to defer a decision agreeing the development was important and Elvington Parks Ltd should be given a further opportunity.

The plans include the building of a row of hangars and an amenities block with a separate hangar for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

It could see ten operators coming to the airfield including Leeds Flying School, Multi Flight and a number of private aircraft owners.The application had received heavy criticism and objections have been received from nine residents and parish councils in Heslington, Elvington, Wheldrake and Dunnington.

Objectors said it could exacerbate the problem of noise and have a negative impact on the traffic in the area.

Arguments from council officers supporting a refusal of the plans included the major visual impact the hangars could have on the area.

They also said lack of information meant they were unable to assess a number of issues including the economic benefits. At last night's meeting, Council leader Steve Galloway said the proposal was important as it meant York could potentially have a link into the air transport system.

He said: "Whether this is the right application we will have to reserve judgement.

"We have to say to Elvington Park Ltd that they have to provide more information.

"They have a lot of work to do. I do not feel we should refuse the application. I am inclined to support the deferral to give Elvington Park further opportunity."

Updated: 10:41 Friday, September 26, 2003