I think all the locals and UK govt brought all the 'electric car and battery' guff and that's why he got the site unopposed. When I was flying there years ago he was making enquiries then about buying it but was always rebuffed as it had a defence use. Once Lyneham closed that was really the endgame for the airfield site though I think as the only real regular visitors were occasional Hercs and helicopter traffic (1 or 2 Harriers too) - gliders and AEF not included.
The question is what happens now ?, does it get sold off and built on or what ? - he's spent a lot of cash there refurbing buildings and so on. I hope he keeps it as a research centre (if it has to stay in his hands).
Very sad - always a very happy station...................
Arc