As the RAF cuts back its presence on the East Coast, development plans are emerging which could see the regeneration of two redundant air bases in Suffolk and Yorkshire.
In Suffolk, the Chris Parker Group has been asked by Suffolk Coastal district council to revise its proposals for a leisure park on the site of RAF Bentwaters. Originally CPG proposed 750 chalets, but the local authority wants to limit the development to 500 chalets.
Other parts of the 405ha (1,000 acre) site will be redeveloped as a business/technology park, 1,230 homes, a golf course and equestrian centre.
In South Yorkshire, Doncaster council has formed a consortium with local businesses to bid for former airbase RAF Finningley – which is not formally on the market – with a view to operating the site as an airport. The council wants to encourage residential and commercial development on the air base’s surplus land.
EGi News 10/04/96
