Concerns are escalating over the protracted disposal of Gloucestershire Airport, as a targeted January completion deadline has been missed, leaving the sale process in limbo. Cheltenham Borough Council and Gloucester City Council, the joint owners of the Staverton aerodrome, had identified Horizon Aero Group as their preferred bidder last year and aimed to finalise the transaction by January.
Missed Deadlines and Growing Unease
Despite initial optimism, February has arrived without the sale being completed, prompting criticism from local representatives. The councils had announced their intended buyer for the 375-acre facility in July last year, with the agreed sale price reported to exceed the £25 million guide price. However, the finalisation has encountered unspecified setbacks, leading to speculation that the agreement may be facing difficulties.
In a joint statement issued a fortnight ago, both authorities confirmed they are in the concluding phases of fulfilling legal obligations for the proposed disposal. They emphasised that selling an airport is an "extremely complex undertaking and naturally takes time," and stated that all parties are working collaboratively towards completion.
Councillor Expresses Serious Worries
Labour councillor Terry Pullen (Moreland) has voiced significant unease about the repeated delays. He revealed that he was previously assured the sale would be completed by Christmas, then by the end of January, but both deadlines have passed without resolution.
"I'm seriously worried as the sale of Gloucestershire Airport is dragging on and on," said Councillor Pullen. "I am beginning to wonder if the sale of the airport will ever be completed as deadline after deadline passes and the airport remains unsold."
He plans to request an update at this week's cabinet meeting and expressed interest in seeing what explanations are provided. Councillor Pullen also highlighted the financial stakes, noting that the council is seeking a £15.5 million government bailout, with proceeds from the airport sale expected to help pay off that debt.
Financial Implications and Uncertainty
The delayed sale raises questions about the councils' financial planning and contingency measures. Councillor Pullen added, "As far as I am aware there is no plan B for the airport and if it isn't sold no one seems to know what will happen next."
Both councils maintain that communication with Horizon Group remains constructive and crucial for progressing the sale. A spokesperson reiterated this week that their stance is unchanged and further updates will be provided when appropriate.
The situation underscores the challenges involved in major asset disposals by local authorities, particularly for strategic infrastructure like airports. Residents and stakeholders are now awaiting clarity on when the sale might finally conclude and what impact further delays could have on local finances and services.
