The MP for Croydon South has voiced his dismay at the Ministry of Defence's decision to appeal the council's refusal of a 1.2m perimeter fence around Kenley airfield.

The planning committee turned down the MoD's application in June for a perimeter fence to stop walkers straying on to the airfield, which is used daily by gliders from Kenley Common.

A working party was set up to discuss further options but Mr Ottaway was surprised by the MoD's decision to appeal before the working party finished.

He said: "I find this a rather disappointing move and would encourage the working group towards a consensual decision. At the end of the day I would be delighted if we could find a way to keep the gliders flying over Kenley."

Mr Ottaway also revealed that the City of London will do its best to acquire the land should the MoD sell it.

He added: "Should the MoD not get permission then it might not be able to offer the airfield for gliding activities and would sell the land for housing.

"Only the area where the hangar is could potentially be built on, the rest would be offered back to the City of London and could therefore revert to common land. The City of London has assured me that it would do its best to acquire the land."