There are flights to London, Dublin, Cork and Jersey from Swansea

Councillors in the city voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to approve the new buildings which will be used by Air Wales to maintain its fleet.

Objectors said the new hangars would be an eyesore, raised concerns about noise and increased traffic visiting the site on Gower.

A potential legal fight between the council and the Welsh assembly over the development was averted last week.

The airport is already there and I would much rather see a thriving airport than a derelict airport Councillor Howard Morgan

The council's legal department was ready to challenge an assembly move to stop members ruling on the plans, but the assembly decided the application did not raise any issues that warranted its intervention.

Chairman of Swansea Friends of the Earth, Roy Jones, told the meeting: "There are a coalition of groups who are opposed to the development of the airport.

"There has been no proper consultation with the public."

Campaigners said the location on Gower, the first area in Wales to be designated an area of outstanding natural beauty, was totally unsuitable.

Derelict

More than 350 people had written letters objecting to the application although in excess of 1100 had signed a petition in support of it.

But John Barnes, who is the manager of Swansea Airport, said a new consultative committee would be established to discuss future plans for the site.

"As regards this application we are renewing old outdated facilities rather than developing new ones," he said.

Gower farmer and county councillor Howard Morgan voted in favour of the application.

"The airport is already there and I would much rather see a thriving airport than a derelict airport," said Mr Morgan.

Darlene McCullough: Swansea is jewel in Wales' crown

Services to London, Cork, Dublin and Jersey have been launched from the airport in the last two years.

But speaking outside the meeting, Gower resident Darlene McCullough said councillors were letting people down.

"Gower is the jewel in the crown for Wales and an area that should be looked after and respected.

"We are not against new jobs but they have to be balanced with the needs of the environment."

Swansea Council will ask the airport managers to agree to limit working hours within the hangar so there is no engine noise late at night or early in the morning.