Airport's decision to appeal 'bloody-minded'

Christchurch International Airport's appeal against a decision allowing residential property development 13 kilometres away is "bloody-minded", Waimakariri Labour MP Clayton Cosgrove says.

The airport says appealing was its only option.

Environment Court commissioners have decided Kaiapoi could expand within the airport's 50 to 55-decibel restricted zone.

Cosgrove said the commissioners "got it right" by rejecting the airport's attempt to stifle Kaiapoi's economic growth.

The airport's move had forced the Waimakariri District Council and individuals back to the Environment Court to defend the property rights of the Kaiapoi community, he said.

The community had repeatedly said it supported the airport operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Cosgrove said.

He asked the airport to withdraw its appeal and "show some common sense" so more money was not wasted.

Airport chief executive Jim Boult said he understood the concerns of Kaiapoi residents, but "any other stance" by the airport would create a precedent for other landowners to take a similar position.

Boult said it could take two to three years to be resolved.

- © Fairfax NZ News