NATIONAL Park chiefs have suffered another defeat in their battle to curb the rise in aircraft flights over the New Forest.

The High Court has grounded a bid by the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) to limit the growth of Bournemouth Airport, where passenger numbers are expected to treble over the next ten years.

The judge, Sir George Newman, rejected the NPA's plea for a judicial review into the way that Christchurch Borough Council approved the scheme.

He also criticised the authority for delaying its challenge until the last moment.

His ruling comes just three months after controversial plans to expand the air corridor used by planes approaching Bournemouth and Southampton airports were given the go-ahead by the Civil Aviation Authority, despite opposition from the Forest.

The CAA decision means more planes will fly over tranquil parts of the area, shattering the peace and quiet enjoyed by villagers.

Now the NPA is having to come to terms with another defeat.

The latest setback centres on plans by Bournemouth Airport to forge ahead with a £32m redevelopment package, including a new terminal.

NPA chiefs sought a judicial review of Christchurch council's decision-making process, claiming the borough ignored the needs of the Forest when granting planning permission.

However, the judge rejected claims that the council had not paid sufficient attention to the requirements of the National Park.