One problem is that the land south of the airport is outside Luton Borough Council's boundary, and I think falls into North Herts, who are vehemently opposed to the airport, as they don't get their grubby mitts (directly) on any of the money it generates.
The reason the plans posted by LTNman did not come to fruition was the lack of interest by LBC in the development, as they would not retain the freehold of the whole site, and thus, presumably, their 'share' of its revenues. More municipal greed
