Organisers fear the plans pose a threat to future air shows

The development, which is subject to a safety assessment and approval by the Deputy Prime Minister's Office, was agreed by Bromley Council on Tuesday.

Protesters claim the plan to build up to 140 homes on the Kent airport's boundary raises safety issues.

Simon Ames of show organiser Air Display International said he was "hugely disappointed" by the decision.

'Living history'

"It was taken without proper consideration of all the facts relevant to the impact not only on the airport but also the air displays held there," he said.

"Air shows are likely to become untenable or to continue with just a handful of light aircraft and not those which provide a vital living history role."

In a statement about its decision, the council said: "Concerns about the future of the Biggin Hill air show were considered to have a limited weight in the determining of the application."

It also said the Civil Aviation Authority had been consulted about the issue of air safety.