As has happened with a number of planned ways forward the idea of going into East Midlands fell at the first post. I understand London to
Elstree is similar.
NPAS floated the idea of a unit at East Midlands before getting into talks with the operators and it soon became clear they did not want the police aircraft on site. The Derby based helicopter [EC135 at police HQ, formerly the North Midlands unit] was also going to move there too but neither is now.
The helicopter can go near enough anywhere but its clear that the IFR fixed wings have to go somewhere with all weather runways ILS etc already in place so that's 'an airport' ...... or a massive bill to upgrade somewhere else.
I know they are talking to alternative airports in the region but nothing has been finalised yet.
The helicopter problem has been temporarily shelved by shutting down the Derbyshire unit and sending the aircraft in for its [Bond] upgrade in January but I guess that something will need to be in place when it comes back around March. Whether that is say Sheffield heliport or the fixed wing site when agreed only time will tell.