The UK Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has announced a public enquiry will be held into plans to redevelop Carlisle Airport.
Stobart Air wants to spend £30m to build a new runway and improve freight facilities at the site, including constructing a runway, passenger terminal, air traffic control centre, hangars, office buildings, distribution warehouses and car parking facilities.
The scheme was approved in March, however more than 50 planning conditions imposed by Carlisle City Council led to Stobart Air threatening to pull out.
Final approval was given in late April.
The plans have been "called in" by Communities Secretary Hazel Blears to address several points, including economic sustainability, public transport availability and environmental impact, the BBC reports.
The inquiry will be held by a government planning inspector, who will then advise whether the project can go ahead.
No date or likely duration for the inquiry has yet been announced.
Following the expansion the airport will handle more than 22,000 flights a year.
By staff writer
