Cabinet approves the making of Wellesbourne Airfield Compulsory Purchase Order

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Press Release

Published on 11 March 2019
Archived on 11 April 2019


Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Cabinet has today, Monday 11 March, approved a report giving authority to make, confirm and implement a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to acquire Wellesbourne Mountford Airfield.

Cllr Lynda Organ, Resources and Property Portfolio says: "This is the next major milestone in the Compulsory Purchase Order process.  Negotiations have been ongoing with the owners, which is all part of the CPO process, for the voluntary acquisition of the Order Land.

"However after today's decision the CPO will now run in parallel to the negotiations in order to guarantee acquisition of the land and safeguard its operational use.  The Order Land is an important employment site, of which there is a shortage within the District, supporting a number of local jobs."

The District Council has been negotiating with the landowner about the possible voluntary sale of the land - a legal requirement before any CPO can be launched. 

The District Council has also investigated how the airfield would be managed in the future and consortia that could operate the airfield in partnership with the District Council - providing a financial return - have already been identified.

The District Council's budget for the next financial year next year (2019/20) has approved funding to cover the legal costs associated with the Compulsory Purchase Order and support a key part of the District Council's adopted Core Strategy of committing to supporting aviation activity at Wellesbourne Airfield.  Also in the recent budget consultation, 61% of respondents supported the District Council's proposals for Wellesbourne Airfield.


Contact details

Stratford-on-Avon District Council
Elizabeth House, Church Street,
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire,
CV37 6HX
Tel: 01789 267575

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Last updated on 11/03/2019