A public inquiry is to be held into Stobart Air's plans to redevelop and expand Carlisle Airport, it has emerged.

Communities and local government secretary Hazel Blears has asked to see the plans in an effort to learn more of the airport's economic sustainability and environmental impact, reports the BBC.

A government planning inspector will conduct the inquiry before advising the government on whether the expansion project can go ahead.

In April, Stobart was given the go ahead to invest £30 million in a new runway, air traffic control centre, passenger terminal hangars, car parking facilities and warehouses.

The company has estimated that it will take nine months to construct the runway and predicts the airport will handle 22,000 flights a year following the expansion.

Last month, Stobart Group, which owns Stobart Air, recorded pre-tax profit of £3.5 million and revenues of £108.8 million in the 14 months ending February 29th, according to Cumberland News.