Yes, Farnborough does need controlled airspace. Now if we manage to get that airspace, TAG have the right to say that they don't want to do LARS.
However, having a class D zone in an area completely surrounded by small airfields, and at the crossroads of a lot of routes, would mean that all the aircraft would call the approach frequency looking for a zone transit. That would overload the frequency (we occasionally have to bandbox lars and approach and it can get manic) which would defeat the object.
And telling everyone to remain outside isn't an option. I know a lot of airfields do that saying that they are not paid to control non airport traffic, but in our area, that would not be practical - and to be given any airspce would probably depend on us continuing to provide a service.
The area really needs the Lars - but I'm a controller, and not a business person who bases everything on cost. If TAG find out about the figures of the regrading, it could affect their business thinking.
So spangly was right...
Farny