An annual airshow is staged at Biggin Hill Airport

Biggin Hill Airport has been consulting locally on its future, and said more than 3,000 people had expressed opinions on its proposals.

The masterplan envisages a bigger terminal in place of existing buildings, with commercial flights to UK and European cities re-introduced.

There would be fewer flights in total while noise limits would be maintained.

Aviation interest

The airport said it could develop without having to extend beyond its present boundaries.

Other proposals are a new visitor centre with displays on the airport's 40-year heritage.

Flying club facilities would be modernised to encourage younger people to build an interest in aviation.

Environmental concerns have been addressed through specialist noise and road traffic investigations.

Biggin Hill's masterplan was a response to a 2003 government White Paper called The Future of Air Transport.

Individual proposals would still have to go through the regular planning processes.

Over the past 40 years, Biggin Hill Airport has steadily changed from being a busy RAF base into a commercial regional airport.