A HIGH Court judge has shot down legal action by the New Forest National Park Authority to thwart plans for new terminal and other facilities at Bournemouth Airport.

Christchurch council gave its consent for a £32 million package of extensions and improvements to buildings, car parks and roads at the airport last summer - a decision which was not called in by government planning watchdogs.

But in December the National Park Authority dropped an 11th-hour bombshell by applying to the High Court for leave to seek a judicial review of the council's decision-making process, claiming the borough had not paid sufficient heed to the needs of the neighbouring national park.

The NPA claims were firmly refuted by Christchurch council chiefs who slammed the quango's legal challenge as a waste of public money.

And in a damning verdict issued on Monday by judge Sir George Newman, the NPA case was dismissed and the authority rebuked for delaying its challenge to the last moment.

The judge ruled: "It is simply not arguable that the defendant Christchurch Borough Council did not address the National Park factors."

While the borough - and its council tax payers - have to pick up an estimated £15,000 bill for legal costs to fight the NPA action, the judge's decision has been welcomed by town hall bosses.

Planning committee chairman Cllr David Jones said: "We are delighted that the judge has seen that this case is not arguable."

"Contrary to claims by the park authority, the council was at all times aware of its legal duties with regard to the impact upon the conservation or enhancement of the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park.

"While we recognise the role the Park Authority plays in protecting the New Forest, we are sorry that an unelected body chose to waste so much taxpayers' money - and to cause us to spend so much time and effort - in pursuit of a point of principle."