It paves the way for a �340m cargo handling complex at the airport near Darlington, which serves the north of England.

The airport is already one of the UK's fastest growing.

The news dashed the hopes of nearby residents who opposed the development because of concern about its possible impact on the environment.

Second-largest in UK

One local protester told the local Northern Echo newspaper: "It looks like the end of the line."

The freight terminal, which will be constructed by London developer Moorfield Estates, is set to be the largest outside London.

According to the newspaper, the 250-acre site will be developed in two phases. The first will create about 4,000 jobs and the second, a new cargo handling centre, will provide employment for a further 2,000 people.

Nearby residents of Middleton St Georges have been assured that strict noise controls will be imposed.