Catflaps- It is called rezoning and is done in many fast growing economies all over the EU every year- case in point being Dublin where large areas of former 'farm' land, also local playing fields, parks etc etc. are being rezoned by the government to allow housing developments! Similiar things are being done in the Uk, especially now with the fast growth of the population, especially in London which will increase dramatically in terms of Eastern European construction workers coming up to 2012. It is not twaddle and just because the government doesn't own the land does not mean that they cannot rezone it for housing!! In fact Thanet is a good case for land rezoning with its road and rail links to London, good but not perfect, and also its close distance to ferry terminals etc! We are talking about two different governments- local and national! This country is filled with Governments of sorts- Local Councils, Parish councils etc etc. This can be made a national issue when it comes to rezoning land not just a local one!
Of course I am sure those of you in MAG would have a problem with that also
MSE does have the possibility to be used as an airport, if done correctly as I always state.
Infratril will develop MSE but there is no rush at the moment!