Doncaster Sheffield Airport: Inquiry calls for new powers to buy closing infrastructure

The South Yorkshire Strategic Infrastructure Inquiry has concluded the government “should and must intervene” if a major public asset closure would have a damaging economic impact, recommending new compulsory purchase order powers for local authorities

New legislation is required to enable public authorities to acquire major privately-owned assets at risk of closure, an inquiry has found.

Following the closure of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) in 2022, the South Yorkshire Strategic Infrastructure Inquiry has determined that the Government “should and must intervene” if the closure of a major public asset would have a “damaging, harmful and detrimental” economic impact.

The inquiry report, authored by chair Martin McKervey, stated: “The closure of DSA has underscored the potential community and economic impacts of losing critical infrastructure.” It suggested there is “merit” in considering amendments to existing legislation to include provisions enabling local and national governments to step in, should the private sector seek to close a majority infrastructure asset.

The report outlined: “This amendment should grant local authorities, regional governments, or specific national bodies the right to temporarily halt the closure or sale of such assets to allow for a comprehensive impact assessment and the exploration of alternative management or ownership models.

“Extensively, this amendment should also consider creating a statutory right for the public authority to purchase the asset at market value through a simplified Compulsory Purchase Order process if the owner will not voluntarily sell.”

The City of Doncaster Council, backed financially by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), initially pursued a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to take control of DSA following its 2022 closure. However, a CPO represents a last resort, triggered only when no other agreement can be reached. Peel’s willingness to enter into a lease arrangement with Doncaster Council reportedly ruled out a CPO for the site.

While the inquiry, convened by South Yorkshire mayor Oliver Coppard in 2023, examines broad examples of infrastructure – including water, energy and airports – it has been heavily shaped by the circumstances surrounding DSA’s closure.

DSA shut its doors in 2022 after owners and operators the Peel Group concluded the site was no longer “economically viable”. Doncaster Council is spearheading efforts to reopen the site using public funding.

The inquiry report also recommends the establishment of a “national regional aviation strategy”.

It states: “The experience with DSA highlights the vulnerability of regional airports to operational and financial pressures. A collaborative national Regional Aviation Strategy could provide a framework for local authorities to pool resources, share best practices, and advocate collectively for regional airports, ensuring these assets continue to serve their communities effectively.”