Originally Posted by
SATCOS WHIPPING BOY
Linton was earmarked based upon the advice of a couple of clowns working for the Home Office. Linton never was suitable for what they wanted, hence it is not suitable now. The pity is that the clowns in question are still employed and attempting to repeat the fiaso again at Scampton.
Civil servants or government appointed?
Whichever it is as you say they haven't a clue what to do.
Typical civil servants I would guess because the saying is you can never sack a civil servant, you can only promote them and post them. [I was civil service for the first 5 years of my career, then although I became CAA, I worked for MOD(PE) so I know the civil service mentality]
If you wanted an airfield, the obvious choice would be Manston, but as it's now in private hands, that option isn't available unless the government temporarily takes it over and it's operated unlicensed with no instrument approach procedures. The closest alternative, Lydd, is too short (only about 1500m) for the type of aircraft needed for long range operations.