A NEW airport hotel has finally been given the go-ahead after two decades of wrangling over the plans.

Biggin Hill Airport has spent 20 years trying to build a hotel near its runways in the south of the Bromley borough.

Several years ago two applications were turned down within months of each other, but yesterday night (August 5) 15 councillors on the Development Control Committee finally decided to allow a 76-bedroom hotel in Churchill Way.

But Councillor Charles Joel argued airport bosses had simply decided to “split the difference” after a 60-bedroom hotel was approved in 1989 but was never built, while a larger, 100-room hotel was refused a total of three times between 2002 and 2007.

Meanwhile, Councillor Robert Evans was worried the new accommodation may result in increased flights at the airport after designers indicated the hotel would be nearly two thirds full each night by 2013.

But the project’s architect Martin Potter argued: “We wouldn’t build this hotel if the airport wasn’t there. It is totally reliant on that.”

The designs for the hotel also include a restaurant, gym, sauna, pilots' lounge and a viewing terrace looking out over the runways.

It is expected the hotel will create 50 jobs.

Ward councillor Julian Benington told the committee he fully supported the new hotel, adding: “I find nothing which causes major concerns.

“It is a busy airport and there is a need for a hotel.

Councillor Gordon Norrie added: “Residents hope they can use the restaurant, cafe and bar facilities which will be a useful social facility in Biggin Hill.”

And fellow committee member, Councillor Peter Dean, said: “I doubt very much Biggin Hill Airport would go through the process of building a hotel that they don’t really need.”

After spending an hour discussing the plans last night, nine councillors voted in favour of the new hotel, with six opposing the idea.

What do you think about the decision? Leave your views on the new hotel below.