YORKSHIRE'S biggest airport could gain additional terminal capacity and a runway extension, according to a new framework for future air travel in the North.

But a Government paper says that any growth at Leeds-Bradford Airport should be accompanied by measures to minimise and mitigate noise impact and improve access.

A White Paper, The Future Of Air Transport, published by Transport Secretary Alistair Darling, recognises that air links to other cities, especially London, are crucial for economic prosperity.

It comes as controversial plans to set up an air taxi service at Elvington Airfield were withdrawn before a meeting of City of York Council's planning committee earlier this week. Airfield owner Elvington Park Ltd had applied to build six hangars at the site, but withdrew from the planning process when asked for further details about its proposals.

The White Paper outlines a series of measures that support the continued expansion of the air industry in the North of England. These include:

Extra terminal capacity at Manchester Airport, accompanied by better access and reduced noise

Agreement that there is scope for extending both terminal facilities and runway length at Teesside Airport.

Backing for plans to expand terminal facilities and to extend the runway at Newcastle Airport.

Support for development at Liverpool John Lennon Airport within its existing boundary with improved access.

The policy guidelines follow an extensive public consultation, which generated more than half a million responses.

Mr Darling said: "Air travel is essential to the United Kingdom's economy and to our continued prosperity.

"The aviation industry directly employs 200,000 people with a further 600,000 jobs supported indirectly.

"We need to plan ahead so we can continue to benefit from the economic and social advantages of air travel, but at the same time deal with the impacts of increasing air transport for the environment.

"The policies set out in this White Paper achieve this."

The framework should help public bodies, airport operators and airlines plan ahead for future applications. It does not authorise any particular development.

Updated: 10:51 Wednesday, December 17, 2003