Fears are growing over the future of Booker’s airfield after wranglings over a new lease raised questions over the council's intentions.

Residents, parish councillors and air park operators have aired concerns over the Wycombe District Council-owned Wycombe Air Park.

The lease expired in September, with WDC so far keeping tight-lipped about its next move.

Leaseholder Airways Aero Associates (AAA) said it is going to court over a new lease to protect the airfield from WDC’s "determined development plans".

Resident and Great Marlow parish councillor Jenny France, of Claymoor Park, Booker, said she fears the air park could be forced to close if parts are earmarked for development.

She added that residents' eventual fear is the area becoming a housing estate.

She said: "There are several things causing concern. The lease extension should have been straightforward, and the fact that it has taken so long is a worry.

"The issue is every time we try to get some information on it they say they cannot talk about it. A ‘strictly enforced communication policy’ sounds more like a gagging order to me.

"The air park runs relatively well, being so close we occasionally get problems but it is a big employer.The flying should be allowed to continue as a business.

"Is it just a sly way of getting hold of the green belt? If they can’t be up front then I am justified in being worried."

In its local plan consultation, WDC earmarked 88 acres of the air park for possible industrial development.

In October, Sean Brown, CEO of Leaseholder Helicopter Aircraft Holdings, told a meeting of the air park’s joint consultative committee that the council had rejected proposals for large-scale investment in flying facilities.

He said companies based at the airfield employ over 180 staff and an estimated combined turnover in excess of £45 million, with investment of £1.9 million over last 10 years in new hangers, runway and taxi way resurfacing.

The firm claims any reduction in the lease area will "reduce current airfield viability" and would hamper use of at least one of the runways, used for gliders and pilot training.

In his presentation, he said: "AAA are committed to the continued operation and improvement of Wycombe Air Park as a successful airfield for general aviation excellence for the benefit of the airfield users and local community alike.

"Wycombe District Council are focussed on development of the air park for unnecessary, unsustainable and unwanted building for Industrial and housing purposes."

WDC has dismissed rumours of a housing estate on the airfield, and said it has been actively trying to reach a lease negotation.

Sue Robinson, WDC spokesman, said: "The council is committed to maintaining a viable air park - one that respects its impact upon the locality.

"We’re not currently looking at housing at the air park. One option in the local plan review proposes employment use of part of the airfield. 

"If that were to come to fruition, then its impact upon Air park operations is debatable. We are in discussion with those who would be directly affected, to ascertain how best to manage the change.

"As for negotiations, we have been seeking them, but the new owner of AAA, the air park’s operator, has chosen to pursue legal proceedings under the Landlord &Tenant Act."