AIRPORT chiefs are celebrating victory over their local council after a judge said they could go ahead with a new hangar at Biggin Hill.

More jobs are on the cards for the steadily-growing executive and charter terminal after the High Court dismissed a challenge by Bromley Council to a decision by the joint Secretaries of State John Prescott and Alistair Darling.

This had overturned the borough's refusal of planning permission in the summer of 2002 and prompted the borough to seek a judicial review.

But the court upheld the Government's decision, ruling that any increase in airport activity would comply with the airport's lease with Bromley Council, and that the development complied with local plan objectives of controlled growth of business aviation.

Chairman Andrew Walters said: "I am delighted with the court's decision, and I know that the many companies based on the airfield and our staff will be as well.

"The new hangar will bring more business to the airport, and more jobs and prosperity to Biggin Hill and Bromley. We now hope to be able to proceed with the development as soon as possible".

The Court also refused Bromley council leave to appeal.