Beafer
I think you perhaps omitted the most telling para :-
The message is clear: we will endeavour to keep the airport open but it will require local business, councils’ and the residents’ support.
The key point not stressed is support what ?, In retrospect there would appear to be a clear case that Peel never had any intention, at least on the civil aviation side, of developing DTV. This is supported by the lack of investment and commitment demonstrated by Peel.
A simple analogy, if one were to acquire a shop on the "High Street" requiring investment in the building, stock, marketing & management, but instead do nothing i.e. carry out none of these, and simply open the doors for business. Then then upon noting that no one is coming in to purchase, shout out loud and clear attributing blame everywhere else instead of looking in the mirror......
Obviously a more rational explanation to the above is that they are both property developers who see a much greater return on demolition & rebuilding of the site...........