THIS is what Bournemouth International Airport's new multi-million-pound passenger terminal will look like - if it gets approval.

The public is being asked for its views on the building, which would increase the Hurn site's capacity by 500,000 extra travellers each year and unlock potentially huge economic investment in Dorset.

Though almost identical to the scheme which was withdrawn by airport owners National Express early this year, it is located in a different place - on land to the west of the existing terminal, instead of green fields to the east.

The public consultation period will run until the end of this month, and Christchurch Council is not expected to make a ruling on the plan until January at the earliest.

But while airport chiefs are hopeful the new application will this time be approved, it would still mean a major departure from green belt planning rules, and deputy Prime Minister John Prescott could again demand a lengthy public inquiry. These images, provided by Bournemouth-based Terence O'Rourke PLC, show how the building would look. There would also be an extra short stay car park and extensive landscaping along Parley Lane.

Christchurch development services manager David Groom said the council had begun canvassing views on the project.

"We will shortly be putting a full display on view to the public in our information office," he told Christ-church development control committee.

Targeted for completion by 2005, the building would enable the airport to handle 1.25 million passengers a year.

Airport managing director Glyn Jones said: "The new scheme, in its new location, would provide a gateway to the area of which everyone could be proud."

The public can inspect the plans at Christchurch Civic Offices in Bridge Street until November 30.