Plymouth City Council moves closer to airport legal action

Plymouth City Council has taken a decisive step forward in its efforts to address the ongoing concerns surrounding Plymouth City Airport, signalling a potential escalation towards legal action against the Sutton Harbour Group (SHG).

Disappointment was met over the lack of assurances received from SHG in response to its letter sent by the council. 

Within the letter was breaches of lease covenants by Plymouth City Airport Ltd (PCAL), a company wholly owned by SHG, the council has issued a formal legal notice to SHG.

Despite the council's request for PCAL to confirm compliance with the leases within a 14-day timeframe, the deadline has elapsed without satisfactory results.

The council has now served SHG a formal legal notice.

Consequently, the council, as the freeholder of the site, is now moving forward with one last opportunity for PCAL to rectify the situation.

If PCAL do not remedy the breaches then Plymouth City Council would be able to move forward with legal action and bring the leases to an end. 

Council leader Tudor Evans conveyed his disappointment: "The clock is ticking and time is running out. We will continue working behind the scenes, but in the meantime, we are giving PCAL one last chance to get their house in order and abide by the original leases they signed."

He reiterated the significance of the airport to Plymouth's growth and prosperity.

The council's efforts to address the airport's fate have spanned several years, with various attempts made to advance discussions, including endeavours to merge the lease agreements.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, Luke Pollard, reiterated the importance of protecting the airport's land from development, and explained the need for its reopening with a focus on electric aviation to align with long-term planning objectives.

Mr Pollard stated, "Plymouth should have an airport. After the airport closed over a decade ago, I’ve made the case that the land should be protected and I don’t support Sutton Harbour Holdings building expensive houses on the runway."

In a parallel sentiment, Johnny Mercer, MP for Plymouth Moor View, acknowledged the complexities surrounding the airport debate

He recognised the desire for its reopening while acknowledging the challenges posed by its size and surrounding infrastructure.

Mr Mercer stated in a recent newsletter, "Locally we saw the council talk about the Airport again at the Council meeting on Monday. Clearly the local Labour jokers will do all they can to divert your attention from the fact that the Airport closed on their watch, and that they have done close to zero to reopen it ever since."

As discussions continue and tensions mount, the fate of Plymouth City Airport remains uncertain, with stakeholders grappling to navigate a path forward that balances economic viability with community interests and aspirations.

A petition called Protect Plymouth Airport's 113-acre Site for Aviation Use Only set up by Danny Bamping has gained more that 2,400 signatures. 

He has stated on the petition: “We are calling on relevant authorities to ensure that this land is protected again for another five years exclusively for aviation use. This action will not only restore an important part of our city's infrastructure but also signal commitment towards supporting local growth and development.

Let us stand together as proud Plymothians to bring back our airport! Please sign this petition today!”