The South Yorkshire Strategic Infrastructure Inquiry has concluded that the government "should and must intervene" if the closure of a major public asset would have a damaging economic impact, and it has recommended new compulsory purchase order powers for local authorities.
The inquiry, chaired by Martin McKervey, was convened by South Yorkshire mayor Oliver Coppard in 2023 in the wake of the closure of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) in 2022. Its report, published on 21 August 2026, states that new legislation is required to enable public authorities to acquire major privately-owned assets at risk of closure.
Inquiry findings on DSA closure
The report says the closure of DSA "has underscored the potential community and economic impacts of losing critical infrastructure." It suggests there is "merit" in considering amendments to existing legislation to include provisions enabling local and national governments to step in should the private sector seek to close a majority infrastructure asset.
The report outlines that the amendment "should grant local authorities, regional governments, or specific national bodies the right to temporarily halt the closure or sale of such assets to allow for a comprehensive impact assessment and the exploration of alternative management or ownership models." It adds that the amendment should also consider creating a statutory right for the public authority to purchase the asset at market value through a simplified Compulsory Purchase Order process if the owner will not voluntarily sell.
Background to the DSA case
DSA shut its doors in 2022 after owners and operators the Peel Group concluded the site was no longer "economically viable". The City of Doncaster Council, backed financially by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), initially pursued a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to take control of DSA following its closure. However, a CPO represents a last resort, triggered only when no other agreement can be reached. Peel's willingness to enter into a lease arrangement with Doncaster Council reportedly ruled out a CPO for the site.
Doncaster Council is spearheading efforts to reopen the site using public funding. While the inquiry examines broad examples of infrastructure – including water, energy and airports – it has been heavily shaped by the circumstances surrounding DSA's closure.
National regional aviation strategy proposed
The inquiry report also recommends the establishment of a "national regional aviation strategy". It states: "The experience with DSA highlights the vulnerability of regional airports to operational and financial pressures. A collaborative national Regional Aviation Strategy could provide a framework for local authorities to pool resources, share best practices, and advocate collectively for regional airports, ensuring these assets continue to serve their communities effectively."
The report's recommendations are now with the government, which will decide whether to adopt the proposed legislative changes. If implemented, the new powers would allow local authorities, regional governments, or specific national bodies to temporarily halt closures and, where necessary, purchase assets at market value through a simplified compulsory purchase process.
