Manchester City Council are quoted as saying that the site will be sold "...on the basis that the Aero Club stays." Peel Holdings also state that there are no plans to kick out the flying club, according to the article.

However, the site is opposite a large area of land part owned by Peel Holdings and already earmarked for development. The chairman of the Greater Manchester Transport Authority is quoted in the article as saying "I am sure that both Manchester and Peel want to see the airport closed and the site developed."

Peel Holdings have also submitted plans for a racecourse at a nearby location. The article suggests one option would be to include an airfield for the use of jockeys and owners, and to which the Aero Club could be relocated.

Aerodrome management have expressed concern over this latest event. The club has 800 members and provides work for more than 100 people. Its efforts to become accessible to the local community are exemplary and it lists the support of residents associations in its desire to stay in the current location.

A follow up article in the Manchester Evening News provides more insight into the disappointment of the aerodrome users and their concerns for the future.

Barton was the subject of an A4A alert last year. The site lies within the Salford City Council jurisdiction and any plans for development would need Local Planning Authority permission. The alert drew attention to a consultation exercise which sought opinions on whether the Council should continue with its policy of protecting the aerodrome use in the face of development pressures.