So it's all DTV's fault!
Carheathot
There is huge difference in 20-30 acres of Industrial development to the entire airfield site. I doubt whether the local community could support such a massive light industrial development.
Peel DO have a track record of developing and keeping an interest in the airport. But everyone has to remember that they are a business; they are there to maximise the value of their assets and make profits for their shareholders. In addition they provide employment for a number of people and provide a facility that enables employment for many more. Developing a proportion of the site could help sustain these jobs and create more.
DTV is not the only airport to suffer; many have over recent years and I'm sure, as the market fluctuates, others will in the future. Some come through, others sadly (the folly of Sheffield to name one) do not.
The positives:
There is local demand
There are airlines who have proven track records of making routes work
The facility is less congested, less stressed than some of the nearby competition
Keep the faith.
GH