Navy airfield rebranded in £50m plan

Fareham Borough Council’s has revealed ambitious plans for the former navy airfield at Lee-on-the-Solent.

The rebranding follows the completion of two new roads at the site and plans to create an extra six hangars into the airport.

The council’s leader Sean Woodward said: ‘This is an exciting time for Fareham.

‘Our aim is to transform this site into a working business airport with flights coming in and out of Fareham.’

Cllr Woodward reiterated plans to extend the runway by a further 100 yards and to provide runway lighting.

The airport sees an annual movement of around 20,000 aircraft at the moment but Cllr Woodward is now targeting 40,000, hoping improvements to the site will bring in more business flights.

He added: ‘Our vision is for Daedalus to become the Solent’s premier centre of excellence for aviation, aerospace, marine engineering and advanced manufacturing.’

Mary Jo Few, of Ranvilles Lane, Stubbington said: ‘You’d think there would be a lot more noise if more flights are coming in. I’d have concerns about that.’

John Butts, Fareham councillor for Sarisbury, who has campaigned for an aviation future for the site, added: ‘Residents have a real affinity with this site and have backed the council’s proposals for this site completely.

‘We’ve had plans for gravel pits, horse racing and housing projects for the site in the past so it’s great to see it moving forward as a successful airfield. I look forward to seeing the site develop.’