...planning permission for the inevitable Retail Park / housing estate ....
NOT inevitable. One of the factors which damaged the council's latest attempt to build here was a change in government planning guidance. I can't remember the exact words, but previously the wording had guided councils to try and avoid developing on airfields, now the wording is much more strongly towards saving the facilities unless absolutely necessary.
I think this is one of the signs that the tide has turned. (I've got to think it, my business is here, my wife works here and my aircraft is hangared here).
Steve R