A two-platform railway station is being proposed by owners Peel Airports. It would be built on the Doncaster to Lincoln line, which runs close by.

A detailed blueprint submitted to Doncaster Council also shows a 250-space car park as part of the development as well as a reserved route for a future line direct to the terminal. Peel bosses said yesterday that they would now begin "detailed rail investigations" but did not give any idea of a date by which the station might open.

Clare Wilson, the airport's environment manager, said: "We are delighted with the news that this important new facility has come nearer to reality.

"Some seven per cent of our passengers already use public transport to access the airport, which is very positive when you consider that it has only been open for just over three years. We are confident that this future en-hancement will see the airport remain on track to increase public transport usage further and continue to improve access for our passengers across the region."

Doncaster Council's planning committee approved plans for the station. Members heard the initial planning permission for the airport required that one was built.

The committee was also told that "further detailed processes" were to be completed with Network Rail and train operators before the scheme could be made to work.