REDHILL Aerodrome has lost its final battle to build a hard runway.
Plans to turn the three grass runways into one concrete strip have been thrown out, following a Court of Appeal hearing today (Thursday).
The decision ends a long-running campaign by Krag - Keep Redhill Airfield Green - who argued that allowing a hard runway would be unjustified development on green belt land.
Following the judgement, Redhill Aerodrome chief executive Ann Bartaby told the Mirror: "We are disappointed but I think it's good that after a long time. we now know exactly where we all stand and will be visiting the plans that we have been working on over the last few months for our business without the hard runway.
"Things like the new Pilots Hub, a great cafe attracting loads of people. We want more pilots to visit the site, more people to have flying lessons.
"We're hoping to have an airshow over the next year or so. We're looking to make the best of it, helping our business survive."
When asked whether the aerodrome will appeal against the decision, she said: "I will not be recommending that route."
The controversial plans have been vehemently opposed by residents around the site in Kings Mill Lane, South Nutfield, and were rejected by both Reigate and Banstead Borough Council and Tandridge District Council in June last year.
The Aerodrome appealed, but a Government-appointed planning inspector upheld the councils' decision. The High Court then allowed for a second public inquiry, which is when Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, stepped in.
He said allowing the hard runway could affect every green belt planning application in the country and an application was made to challenge the High Court's decision at the Court of Appeal.
Today the Court of Appeal ruled the planning inspectorate's decision would stand.
