Kapiti council backs airport redevelopment

The Kapiti Coast District Council has voted six to five in favour of a redevelopment of Paraparaumu Airport.

The council's regulatory committee voted on the proposal last month, but later discovered the decision was not legal unless ratified by the full council.

There was fiery debate this morning as councillors narrowly passed the motion to change the district plan, to allow retail development on airport land.

The vote was split in half, but a vote by chairwoman Ann Chapman sealed the decision.

Opponents to the plan have already announced they will appeal the decision in the Environment Court.

- NEWSTALK ZB