Plymouth Airport site must be returned to council

LAST FRIDAY was both a historic and sad occasion. Plymouth airport is now shut.

We should reflect that Public Limited Companies such as Sutton Harbour Group can be strange corporate beasts. One moment led by a board of directors conventionally, and another with the direction of travel driven by a small number of shareholders. Within this swing of influence can be disposed factors such as long term local loyalty, which can at times rate less than the bottom line when share prices are under strain.

For more than a century the interests of Sutton Harbour and our city have been closely aligned, indeed Sutton Harbour is older than our city. Nothing but good has come from the growth of the company and a huge amount of benefit has been conferred on Plymouth, accruing great local pride and admiration in our very own plc, and what it has stood for, and made to happen, particularly over the last two decades. But, today, perhaps that long term alignment of common interest and loyalty of cause has become strained and it may, if the cards are played inappropriately even become permanently broken? We have to hope not, but we shall see.

It can not be right for future generations not to be able to make use of the airport land and facilities when the national economic corner has been turned, and perhaps then, new short take off inter city aircraft will also be on the scene. That could be the case as early as 2018 in just six years.

That is why the 250 key sector leaders making up the Plymouth Area Business Council are now unanimously calling for control and custodianship of the site to be returned with all appropriate speed to Plymouth City Council, so that they and our successor citizens will have the opportunity to make use of the infrastructure when they face the challenges of taking our city and its economy forward in what has become a firmly competitive environment.

We recognise that best value will have to be demonstrated on both sides, but we hope fervently that there is a mutual willingness to get this vital economic chapter in our history, which started so constructively with the formation of Air South West, sorted out satisfactorily. If control of use can't be restored through planning, then ownership will have to be explored and this will require a willing buyer and a willing seller climate.

CHARLES HOWESON Chairman, Plymouth Area Business Council

Copyright 2011 The Plymouth HeraldAll Rights Reserved