What would you have at Cottesmore?

[cottesmore09]

Hi all, thought i would see what idea's others have about Cottesmore?

If i had a choice then i would have the Tornado's return to Cottesmore, just that the locations is brilliant and it too perfect to waste!

my personal oppinion is that when RIAT was at Cottesmore it was in the best location for nearly everyone. Maybe the first years weather was not too good but the second year was brilliant! Only if it could return for one more time

Also the JSF would also fit in well to Cottesmore if and when it comes in RAF service, who cares about the noise because i certainly don't !!

Well that would be Cottesmore put in the best of use for me, its one of the UK's larger and well located bases just to be closed

Thanks, Cott09

[f-4]

The only realistic hope is the relocation of 1 Regiment, Army Air Corps from Germany and possibly 9 Regiment from Dishforth (if the MoD has any sense).

[Blackcat1]

I'd like to see ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, Harriers!!!! for at least another 5-10 years!!!

[Doughnut]

I think we have to be realistic about Cottesmore's future. There will be no more fast jet opperations. With so many other MOD locations to choose why would the Army want to move into Cottesmore ? I would favour a commerical use for freight or storage opperations, (ideal given the closeness of the A1) this would generate an income for the MOD and provide much needed local employment. Sadly I believe many local people and land owners will be quite happy to see the base close and slowly rot, their peaceful rural life will have been reinstated and I would suggest some local house prices will rise without the noisy neighbours. Equally sad will be the loud protests should any planning application be made for the freight hub. I think I am right by saying this is a Conservation seat so the Government is not going to want to upset the locals in the next five years.

[f-4]

Not convinced by the house price argument - there will be an awful lot going up for sale in the locality soon. Schools and surgeries will be affected by a drop in numbers, putting them at risk unless a major employer steps in with up to 2,000 employees.

[rich71]

Dont think Alan Duncan MP is in any danger of loosing his seat regardless what happens round cottesmore. You could put a blue roset on a donkey and it would get voted in round these parts must be one of the safest Tory seats in the country.

[nigelblake]

I bet it'll get covered in wind turbines!

[Doughnut]

I was also thinking about the short time storage of the Harrier fleet. With the current arrangements with BAe about mainatance and upgrade there have always been many more Harriers at Cottesmore than just those used by the squadrons. Until the final disposal options are agreed it would make sence to hold all the Harriers at Cottesmore rather than transfer them to the traditional storage location of Shawbury, indeed does Shawbury have enough space for all the Harriers ? I expect a few airframes might move to Cosford (or St Athan ?) for technicial training and a few might make it to museums.

I really dont think the NIBBY locals will accept any plans for wind farms or regional airports.

[Phoon]

The only realistic hope is the relocation of 1 Regiment, Army Air Corps from Germany and possibly 9 Regiment from Dishforth (if the MoD has any sense).

Very unlikely. I would have thought it would have made more sense to bring the Lynx from Germany and base them at Dishforth which has plenty of capacity to operate a few more helicopters. Disforth already has the facilities for Lynx operations and is ideally located near Catterick and the North of England training areas.

I think the army may take Cottesmore on, but I don't think their will be any flying units relocating.

[C24]

As a NIMBY who remembers[just] the skies being full of airtugs and gliders I would like to offer my thoughts.

House prices will not drop locally, too many London based people wish to move here. Planning application in for 1000 homes to satisfy demand!

Wind turbines - not enough steady wind.

Local councillor suggested civilian airport but no money to develop one. Anyway, RAF Alconbury wouold be better with its proximity to road A1/A14 and East Coast rail line. It would still cost money and this country does not have any spare.

For the Army from Germany to use the housing seems a good bet with transport available north to Catterick for both Cottesmore and N. Luffenham units.

AAC to Dishforth makes good sense, less flying time to practice areas.

Harriers to be loaned to USMC with a clause in the loan that we can have back the same number with similar flying hours when we get our carrier.

I become President of Great Britain and issue a dictate that regardless of cost, Cottesmore becomes the home of the BBF, the private Lancaster moves into government hand; the Vulcan and any other ex military aircraftin the UK; RIAT is held there too.

The winning numbers for the Lottery are 4 17 28 30 37 and 40. Not sure which day though.

What a waste of your time, reading such tosh! If any of the above happens, I would vote for what's his name?

You must admit - it is a great website