Air traffic control equipment currently in use at Filton Airfield has been put up for sale on an asset disposal website.
BAE Systems, owners of the historic airfield, announced in April 2011 that they intended to close it at the end of 2012.
The move forced South Gloucestershire Council to rethink its Core Strategy, a planning document that sets out the district’s development vision until 2026. The latest version, currently undergoing examination by a Government inspector at a public inquiry in Kingswood, foresees 2,600 homes being built on land currently occupied by the airfield. In addition to the housing, 55ha of the area would be reserved for employment uses.
A campaign group, Save Filton Airfield, is fighting to keep the airfield open and representatives of the group addressed the Core Strategy public inquiry when the matter was discussed there a fortnight ago. Earlier this year, the group staged a protest march that was attended by around 200 people.
The equipment being advertised for sale (in 47 lots) includes radar systems, navaid systems, airfield lighting, radio communications and general airfield equipment. According to the website, bids must be made by 5am on 31st December 2012.
More info: BAE System’s Filton Airfield, Air Traffic Control Systems
But it is their land and property to do as they like with it.