Devon County Council is to hold a ‘golden share’ and include plans for community involvement, when it finally sells off Exeter International Airport.
The county has drawn up a shortlist of six bidders for the airport after an all-party steering group examined development proposals from 12 potential purchasers.
Devon still plans to sell a majority stake in the airport but the golden share would enable it to protect the long-term future of the community asset, and councillors want to make sure the new owners maintain effective communications with local business and community leaders over future development. ‘Our paramount objective is ensuring the future success of Exeter airport and securing its position as a driving force in the Devon economy,’ said council leader Brian Greenslade.
Some of the bidders also included proposals for the 37ha Skypark brownfield site north-west of the airport, owned by the county council, which it hopes to make a strategic development site, although others only bid for the airport.