As a property developer in Southampton, I can assure you that the city is expanding at a dramatic rate. Residential development along the waterfront is increasing in density at an alarming rate, indicating a real demand from the professional market. Commercial development is accelerating with West Quay 2 (I think that's it name) in the construction phase. The old Vosper Thornycroft shipyard site owned by SEEDA is about to be turned into a modern mixed used marine industry site with high tech modern living. The city is host to major international exhibitions such as the Southampton Boat Show which attracts valuable investment to one of the city's primary industries, marine.
This all points towards a strong local market for business at Lee-on-Solent airfield for the future. It would be prudent for the airfield to remain operational and to establish a longer term strategy as a corporate overflow airfield, considering the capacity limitations at Southampton Airport.
Lee would make an excellent international corporate airfield serving not only Southampton, but also Portsmouth. There can be no possible commercial advantage to closing the airfield other short-term greed by developers, which would be an opportunity lost.
As a private pilot visiting the city, Lee-on-Solent would be my first choice as a convenient destination. It is easy to find geographically and is close to the city.