Devon County Council decided to sell its shares in the airport last year

Devon County Council (DCC) hopes to sell it to the company which runs Bristol Airport.

But there are concerns the move is anti-competitive and will mean Exeter will be reduced to a support role.

The EC, which is asking for the views of customers and competitors, can block deals if they are considered to break competition laws.

'Substantial interest'

Devon County Council's plan to sell off its 75% share to preferred bidder South West Airports Consortium (SWAC) has been controversial.

SWAC is owned jointly by international airport groups Macquarie and Ferrovial which have a substantial interest in Bristol International Airport.

The Office of Fair Trading's request to review the sale has been welcomed by the Tiverton & Honiton MP Angela Browning.

She said: "I think it would reassure all of us to make sure, whoever the new owners of Exeter Airport are, that the whole process has been carried out and the consequences have been examined to make sure that what happens is in the best interests of the viability of Exeter Airport well into the future.

'Measured response'

"We want to see it grow and see it succeed."

A spokeswoman for Macquarie which forms part of the consortium said they would run the two airports as completely separate businesses.

Devon County Council described the move as a "measured response".

"What's important is getting this right, not getting there quickly," said a DCC spokesman.