Eddie Stobart chief executive Andrew Tinkler has hit back at critics opposed to the extension of the runway at London Southend Airport.

The company acquired the airport two years ago, aiming to make it a base for flights to destinations in Europe.

Southend’s local authority planning committee approved the extension plan by 14 votes to three, bringing the prospect of fights from Carlisle to Europe via Southend a step closer.

But local opposition has continued, expressed through the Southend Echo newspaper. Some opponents claimed the decision to approve the extension flew in the face of local opinion.

One critic suggested the decision should have been made by all 51 members of the local council and not just the 17-member planning committee. He stated: “It isn’t democracy when three quarters of the voting public were against the airport but were overruled by a dozen or so glory boys.”

Another wrote: “I am convinced that the Stobart Group just wants to promote this extension to support its freight business which, by the way, is booming.”

But Mr Tinkler hit back, saying: “Whenever you do something high-profile like this, you get critics.

“The planning committee voted by 14 votes to 3 in favour of the extension and that in my book is solid support. There’s always going to be somebody against it.”

The Southend decision will need final approval to the Communities Secretary John Denham.

Mr Tinkler said the Southend extension, combined with the opening of a rail link which allows travel to London in less than 50 minutes, would allow the company to tap into business generated by the 2012 Olympic Games.

He spoke out as consultation over a number of job losses at Carlisle Airport – including that of the chief fire officer – continued.

Airport director Andy Judge said: “We’re adjusting the way in which we provide operational cover and probably creating other roles in different parts of the business.”