Plans to close Coventry Airport and replace it with a giant electric car battery factory have been approved by Warwick District Council. The development, which could create up to 6,000 jobs, still requires backing from a car manufacturer and government approval, as well as planning permission from Coventry City Council.
The proposal, put forward by Coventry Airport Ltd and Coventry City Council, would see the airport shut down. Supporters, including local MPs, unions, and West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, argue the gigafactory is vital for the automotive industry as manufacturers like JLR shift to electric vehicles.
However, hundreds of objections have been lodged, including from parish councils, the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), and a cross-party parliamentary group promoting general aviation. Critics cite concerns over green belt impact, the scale of development, and the loss of the airfield.
Sky Harbour UK Limited, an aviation consultancy based at the airport, warned that ignoring objections from the Civil Aviation Authority, the All Party Parliamentary Group, and Royal Mail sets a dangerous national precedent, giving a 'green light' to speculative developers controlling UK airports.
