In France of course the airfield would be subsidised by the local community - but we are not France and everything must make a profit and a return on the inverstment if it is to survive in modern day Britain.
When I learnt to fly in 1980 it was like that across the UK.
Norwich,Ipswich,Shoreham,Exeter,Plymouth,Cardiff,Swansea,Bri stol,Staverton,Halfpenny Green,Birmingham,Ringway,Speke,Blackpool,Humberside,Teeside etc etc.
Just about every decent airport was council owned.
All regular entries in my log book in those days and minimal landing fees.
I'm sure Haverfordwest is still council owned but in these cash strapped days how do you justify an airfield for the use of perceived wealthy weekend flyers? The truth is you cannot and so a developer offers a way out and some money for the council coffers.
All of the above fields had clubs and plenty of GA. In fact GA often made up the bulk of the movements at some of those places.
A decent motorhome costs about the same as a small secondhand spam can but offers a landowner a lot more return over a weekend than any flying visitor.
And of course there is less noise for the nimby's to complain about.
Sad but true I'm afraid.
I enjoy flying but as an investment....Not worth the hassle so forget it
