Airport car park row in new phase

As the airport threatened legal action against Antrim and Newtownabbey Council in the latest row over the Karl Airport Parking, a spokesman said it was entirely behind development at Aldergrove and that there was room for both.

The airport has challenged the council over the withdrawal of a notice forcing the car park, which has operated for some years without planning permission, to stop trading.

The airport argues several unlawful car-park operators near to it are cutting revenues and putting jobs there at risk.

A spokesman for Karl said: “We strongly support the airport in their growth plans and in the opening of new routes, and firmly believe that there is room in the market for both car parks and the services which each offers.

“We will soon be lodging a fresh planning application which, if approved by the Council, will remove any question mark over our operations, will provide much needed consumer choice and will ensure that customers continue to get great service and competitive prices.”

A council statement said it “continues to pursue enforcement action on the site to ensure that any breaches of planning control are resolved.”