The original sale had nothing to do with Noel Robinson. That was a stitch-up between the then-MP for Ohariu, the second-most-recent owner of the airport, and various elements of the KCDC. It was a classic example of the Conservative old boys network at it's finest. Sure, the tenants got screwed, but that is all ancient history now. It is what they are doing now that is important.
With Robinsons plan (the only viable plan, by the way), there has to be an offset between retaining the airport and developing parts of the airport that aren't needed for flight ops. That was obvious from the beginning.
What the flying clubs have done is attempt to mess up Mr Robinsons plans by arguing for the retention of the short runway, amongst other things. I can understand them not wanting to lose it, but the fact remains that it is little-used and unnecessary for 95% of the time. In all my years of flying out of PP, I probably only used it 5-10 times.
Issues like extra traffic are actually non-issues. The Western Link road will more than cater for any increase in traffic.
why would the locals support a scheme that will have such an negative impact on their lifestyle???
Leaving aside for a moment the fact that most of the locals you refer to are thoroughly selfish individuals who would oppose anything that in any way impinged on their supposed rights to a particular lifestyle - despite the fact that they chose to live near an active airport - the fact is that if the Robinson plan fails, the airport will become a housing estate. If that happens, the resulting congestion and stress on the infrastructure will be many times greater than they would be if the airport was retained.
I'm no particular fan of Noel Robinson, but the fact remains that if he fails, the airport will be gone. I would rather have a smaller airport, than no airport at all.
The Aero Club doesn't get that, but then it is one of the most poorly run operations I have ever seen, so I'm not surprised.
Anyway, I'd be interested to hear your plan for retaining the airport and satisfying the NIMBYs at the same time...