Coventry Airport expansion appeal thrown out of High Court

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The High Court has dealt a blow to Coventry Airport's expansion plans, upholding the Government's decision to block the construction of a new terminal.

Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Hazel Blears made the decision to reject a proposal for the project in April.

Airport owner West Midlands International Airport took its case to the High Court, requesting Mr Justice Forbes, sitting in London, to overturn the decision.

But the judge ruled that the minister's decision was not legally flawed and refused to intervene.

The airport's chief executive Chris Orphanou said: "[We] are naturally disappointed with the result.

"We will now take time to examine the full report and its implications."

No indication was given as to whether there will be an attempt to appeal against today's ruling.

The bid to expand the building – and subsequently attract more flights and passengers – had been backed by the Coventry Chamber of Commerce and the city council.