Plans to reopen disused British airport back on track after funding row resolved

Plans to reopen a disused British airport are back on after a council funding row was resolved.

Doncaster Sheffield Robin Hood Airport closed in 2022 after its operators, the Peel Group, decided it was no longer financially viable.

Now, a council dispute between Reform UK and Labour councillors has been resolved at a meeting of the City of Doncaster Council on Monday.

Councillors from Nigel Farage's party had previously threatened to withdraw a previously-agreed £57million loan.

Now, councillors from Reform, who make up the biggest bloc on the council, will back the plans, however they denied it was a "u-turn."

The funding will be invested into key airport upgrades, reopening preparations, jobs as well as future.

Deputy leader of Reform UK Doncaster Jason Charity told the BBC: "If we had started with the amendment, it would probably be watered down to a set of safeguards that probably wouldn't have done much.

"Of course Labour will call it a u-turn, what I would call this is a refinement of the deal."

Labour Mayor Ros Jones said the it was "the u-turn that we all wanted to see".

In a statement she said: "It is not unreasonable to ask for updates to be brought back to full council, but [Reform] could have asked for this without putting the whole airport project at risk."

Northern regional secretary from the Trade Union Congress Dave Pike said: "They should never have put this vital project - and the jobs and growth it will bring to the region - at risk in the first place."

Mr Pike added he was pleased Reform had "finally seen sense".

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A City of Doncaster Council spokesperson said: "The decision taken at today’s extraordinary full council meeting means that the airport programme can recommence.

"In addition, discussions with the landowner will now be restarted and reported accordingly.

"We remain committed to reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport and delivering the jobs and growth it will bring to the region.

"Work will continue at pace, in partnership with SYMCA (South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority) and other stakeholders, subject to ongoing risk management and the progression of funding agreements."

The Peel Group still owns the land and remain in negotiations to lease it to Doncaster Council, allowing it to reopen.

Mark Chadwick, who led the Save DSA campaign, said the vote was a "huge victory" for the region.

In a Facebook post, he said: "Today councillors approved the crucial £57million loan needed to push ahead with reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

"After weeks of uncertainty, political disputes, protests, and fears the project could collapse, the airport revival plans are officially back on track."