The sale of Gloucestershire Airport at Staverton has dragged on for over eight months, leaving council leaders feeling frustrated and uncertain about the deal’s completion. Cheltenham Borough Council and Gloucester City Council have been negotiating with Horizon Group, the preferred buyer, over the 375-acre site, which includes two thriving business parks and planning permission for an additional 30,000 square metres of business space.
Originally set to exceed the £25 million asking price, the sale has been repeatedly delayed, with missed deadlines and growing speculation about its viability. At a recent Gloucester City Council overview and scrutiny committee meeting, council officials acknowledged these frustrations but offered no clear timeline for resolution.
Andy Hearne, Head of Place, told councillors that despite continuous efforts by officers to finalize the sale, progress remains out of their hands. “Right now it is a bit of a waiting game on our part,” he admitted.
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Questions from councillors highlighted concerns over the causes of delays and the possibility of the sale falling through. Councillor Terry Pullen pressed for any indication of a conclusion date, but Hearne could only confirm that officials are working hard to reach one, without committing to a specific timeline.
Councillor Louise Walker probed Hearne’s optimism about the sale’s success, but he remained noncommittal due to the risks involved and the repeated extensions. “We are all feeling pretty let down by the extensions that have taken place,” he said.
Sajid Patel raised doubts about the deal and suggested that if the airport site were to be developed for housing, it would be preferable for the council to retain control and profits rather than allowing a private company to benefit.
Councillor Anne Radley inquired about contingency plans, to which council leader Jeremy Hilton confirmed that while plan Bs are being considered as a standard practice, no definitive alternative has yet been developed as discussions with the buyer continue. Hilton also criticized some media speculation as inaccurate but did not elaborate.
Hearne emphasized the rigorous scrutiny applied to all decisions to ensure they serve the public interest. Chairman Andrew Gravells summarized the situation, stating that if the sale does not conclude, the council will revisit all options thoroughly. “In effect, it would be back to the drawing board with all options considered,” Gravells said.
As the delays persist, the future of Gloucestershire Airport remains uncertain, with council leaders preparing for multiple outcomes while awaiting clarity.