Durham Tees Valley Airport is preparing to submit a planning application to the Governments £1bn Regional Growth Fund to develop the land of the South side of the airport. It is believed the plans will include an access road and the addition of gas, electricity and drainage. It is unknown at this time whether or not any application would include buildings.
MPs have hailed the bid as further proof of Peel Holdings commitment to Durham Tees Valley Airport, but whereas the plans have been revealed to be for freight purposes, there’s nothing to suggest they would be aviation related.
Our view
The South side is a touchy subject at the airport, prior to the takeover, Peel fenced off the bulk of this land and it was thought they wanted this for non-aviation related developments and therefore supporting the long-running conspiracy theory that they want the land and have no interest in the airport. Since the takeover, it’s unclear who owns this land now, although reports suggest it’s back in the hands of the airport.
This is also the third time that I am aware of that this land has had a planning application submitted for it, so I’ll believe it when I see it.
by Chris Smith
28/05/12