This needs to be seen in its local context.
The District Council has planned to build 2350 houses on the outskirts of historic Cirencester, about 5 miles from Kemble, to which there is significant local opposition (it would increase Cirencester's population by about 25%).
This proposal has the benefit of being apart from the ancient town, on brownfield land, and offering the landowners a huge wedge of cash. Most locals are not well-disposed towards an airfield on their doorstep, despite the total lack of noise nuisance and the employment it creates.