“The Council is aware of alternative proposals for the site, recently produced by Peel, which do not include an operational airport. Whilst no formal planning application has yet been submitted for these proposals, it is clear that the operator has a desire to redevelop the site for other uses. In 2022 when the operator announced its intentions to close the airport, the Council receivedcounsel’s advice about the prospects of the redevelopment of the site for alternate uses.
“The Council is currently in negotiations with Peel about the prospect of acquiring a leasehold interest in the airport. It is also taking preparatory steps to promote and make a compulsory purchase order, in the event that attempts to acquire an interest in the airport by agreement are unsuccessful. “Clearly, any removal or demolition of buildings associated with the airport and its operational functionality affect the ability of the airport to re-open without