A government inquiry is to be held into expansion plans for Luton airport that were approved by a council.
The growth scheme had been backed by Luton Borough Council in December.
But the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) cited concerns over climate change targets and policies for enhancing the natural environment.
According to the BBC, Luton Borough Council was told in a letter: “To consider all the relevant aspects of the proposed development, the secretary of state [Michael Gove] has decided to hold a local inquiry.”
The plans approved by the council would enable the airport to handle 19 million passengers a year – up from 18 million.
The government has the power to call in planning applications that local authorities approve and make the final decision.
This usually occurs in cases where the decision may have wider effects beyond the immediate locality or potentially conflict with national policy.
A London Luton Airport (LLA) spokesperson said: “We are disappointed by the decision, but respect the secretary of state’s request for the application to undergo further examination.
“The government understands that airports are an important enabler of wider economic growth, and for LLA to play its part it’s important we can maximise our potential.
“Our plan enables us to do that by putting the airport on the best possible footing for a long-term recovery that supports the local economy and the creation of jobs following the worst crisis our industry has ever faced.
“This plan is consistent with our commitment to achieving carbon neutrality for our own operations by 2026, and to achieve net zero emissions by 2040.”