Lagan is now planning to build a temporary village near the airport to house the 150 construction workers needed for the two-year resurfacing and improvement contract.

The site will contain one and two bedroom portable buildings alongside a laundry, canteen and TV lounge.

Lagan said the compound will not disturb local residents and security guards will be employed to keep noise to a minimum.

Project manager Brian Cronin said: “We want to be very clear the company will not tolerate any nuisance to neighbours.

“We will have security around the clock to ensure that there is no disturbance, particularly at night.”