The proposed airport would be at Sherford on the edge of Plymouth

Earlier this year, Sutton Harbour Holdings proposed building houses on Plymouth and Exeter airports and using the income to fund a new one in the South Hams.

An official report drawn up for policymakers by AviaSolutions last week said it would be better to concentrate on developing Exeter and Newport airports.

But Plymouth City Council and local businesses are making a concerted attempt to win support for the South Hams scheme.

The proposed location for the new airport is a greenfield site at Sherford on the edge of Plymouth in the South Hams Council area.

Business leaders believe more research is needed

Plymouth has pulled out all the stops with a joint appeal from the City Council, the local Chamber of Commerce, and two other Plymouth business lobby groups.

Charles Howeson, of Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, said: "We are not going to allow our local economy to be sold short.

"The report begs many questions.

"There is, as far as we are concerned, not enough research and facts behind the recommendation to dismiss the new airport at Sherford."

The Plymouth lobbyists also say that the city's existing airport should be kept open and properly funded for as long as necessary.