St Albans District Council is asking that a decision to approve plans to expand Luton Airport by double its size be called-in.

The council has written to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles, making a formal request for a call-in after Luton Borough Council's planning committee granted permission for plans.

Simon Rowberry, Interim Head of Planning and Building Control at the council, said: "Luton Airport is severely constrained by its geography and close proximity to heavily populated areas. On local environmental and infrastructure issues, areas such as St Albans and Harpenden are seriously affected.

"In particular there is a need to consider the noise and traffic impact on nearby centres of population and the implications of airport passenger parking provision and public transport improvements. We are urging caution on a number of fronts.

"In addition, Luton Borough Council has a direct ownership and financial interest in the airport. They therefore have a close relationship with the applicant. That gives us cause to consider that Luton should not determine this significant and controversial decision as Local Planning Authority."

The council has also drawn the Secretary of State’s attention to a number of concerns raised throughout the planning process and comments on the planning application.