A company that recycles giant aircraft including jumbo jets wants planning permission to continue operating.

The GJD Services at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground wants the go-ahead to "recycle" up to 12 large planes a year.

The operation has been going on for more than a year but new environmental regulations mean the operator needs a permit and planning approval.

So far, the company has recycled a handful of VC 10 troop carriers and Boeing 747s which have flown into the former American bomber base.

In the process, they have salvaged millions of pounds worth of components for re-use while valuable metal has been sold on for scrap.

GJD Services managing director Gary Spoors said: "The Environment Agency has told us that as soon as an aircraft touches down it becomes waste.

"We therefore need a waste permit and we also need express planning permission for what we do to obtain one."

He said the company employed more than 20 highly-skilled engineers and obtaining the planning permission and the environmental permit would guarantee the jobs and lead to possible expansion.

Mr Spoor said: "We surgically dismantle each aircraft and have the capacity to handle 12 a year."

He said great care was taken to prevent any fuel or oil leaking into the ground. People have until February 9 to comment on the Environment Agency permit.