LONG-anticipated plans for an employment park at Wellesbourne Airfield are edging towards take off.
Landowner Gladman, and Stoford – a property developer – have teamed up in a bid to deliver the new employment park as part of plans to revitalise Wellesbourne Mountford Airfield.
The deal, if given the go-ahead, could release up to 140 acres of much-needed employment land along the M40 corridor and is part of a wider strategy, led by Gladman, to provide a new runway and enhanced aviation facilities in order to secure the long-term future of the airfield.
A ‘memorandum of understanding’ was agreed last year between the owners of the airfield and Stratford District Council, which ensures that aviation will continue at Wellesbourne Mountford Airfield while plans for the future enhancement of the facility are developed and discussed.
Best known for its role during World War II, Wellesbourne Mountford Airfield was formerly the Royal Air Force station RAF Wellesbourne Mountford.
Stoford Land Director, Andy Hartwright, said: “We’re excited to be supporting the progression of this strategically important opportunity at Wellesbourne Mountford Airfield. We’ll be working closely with Gladman, the landowner and Stratford District Council, to assist with the site’s journey through the planning process to the delivery of a high quality employment park. It has the potential to deliver high-tech jobs and offer a significant employment stream for the region.”
Chris Still, Senior Planning and Development Director at Gladman, added: “We look forward to sharing our proposals for the site over the coming months, and hope to be in position to submit a planning application by the summer.”
Wellesbourne Mountford Airfield is located in an established employment area near the University of Warwick’s Wellesbourne Campus.
Draft plans for a multi-million pound innovation centre at the Wellesbourne Campus are currently out for public consultation after being given the green light by SDC.
SDC Deputy Leader Coun Daren Pemberton said he hoped the two projects combined would radically boost the economy and employment opportunities for the whole of south Warwickshire in line with SDC’s emerging economic strategy.
Plans to build a new runway to replace the old ones were submitted to the Civil Aviation Authority last year.
