Making the best of it
I agree with those who believe Coventry should make the best of the 1m planning approval it already has. Efficient use of this is the most powerful argument for expansion to 2m later.
Having carried out a detailed survey of Coventry's facilities, it is clear that these facilities are very poorly used. The airport surface needs to be restructured and better use made of its facilities to attract more business. This would be good for all concerned.
Coventry could either go for its own traffic zone, perhaps rearranging its approach and departure routes to remove conflicts with BHX (avoiding Leamington would be very popular), OR very strong representations should be made to BHX to improve ATC coordination. This is the simplest solution.
At present, Coventry traffic has to await a gap in the BHX stream due to the conflicting departure routes. In effect, BHX is restricting CVT traffic unfairly, as it prioritises its traffic over Coventry's. This is at odds with the principle of free access. I know it annoys the hell out of Thomsonfly who suffer routine delays on departures.
Simple improvements such as runway end loops would also reduce delays.
ILS facilities should be replaced, radar improved, multilateration introduced.
Above all, the airport needs a serious development plan to radically reorganise its facilities and attract new business. At present, Coventry seems more preoccupied with car parking revenue.