MAJOR plans to develop a York airfield look set to be grounded by councillors.

The proposals to build a row of hangars at Elvington airfield are set to be rejected at a planning meeting of City of York Council on September 25.

Council chiefs are also carrying out a wider "enforcement" investigation into activities at the airfield, following complaints from local residents.

Elvington Park Ltd put forward the application to build a row of six buildings, with an attached amenities block at the airfield.

The proposal would form a total length of just over 200 metres, with a separate Yorkshire Air Ambulance block to the east.

But council officers have recommended refusing the scheme, saying that the proposed development is "not one of those defined as being appropriate for a green belt".

Among the ambitious proposals the hangars would allow are plans to run an air taxi service to let business people fly in from foreign and domestic airports and have access to companies in the city.

The council report estimates approving the plans would mean dozens of extra flight movements at the airport every day.

Elvington Parish Council has objected to the plans claiming the hangars are "an unwanted development in the green belt".

Updated: 14:41 Wednesday, September 17, 2003