For the latest news on the development of RAF Locking visit www.lockingparklands.co.uk/Home.aspx. The site has been created by the South West of England Regional Development Agency and English Partnerships. Includes the proposal to build 1,800 homes on the site.

Developers set sights on RAF Locking (October 2006)

Plans have been revealed to build 1,800 new homes and offices on the site of RAF Locking. The South West Regional Development Agency is seeking a developer to implement the plans for the initial development of  'employment opportunities' as major housing developments are not a high priority until 2011. November 2006 will see local workshops taking place to inform local residents of progress.

Securing the site of RAF Locking (October 2006)

£80,000 a year is being spent on keeping trespassers off the former RAF Locking camp. The RAF Locking site has 24-hour security following its purchase in 2002 by the South West Regional Development Agency and English Partnerships, which are jointly funding the security measures. The site it particularly vulnerable to unauthorised access and it is important to maintain security to prevent illegal fly tipping, occupation by travelling communities, trespassing or off road motorcycling.

No homes to be built on the site of RAF Locking (September 2006)

North Somerset Council big housing schemes' anywhere in the Weston area until 2011. This puts a firm block on plans for major housing projects on RAF Locking and Weston Airfield as well as anywhere else in the area.

North Somerset Council's - 'Weston Vision' (April 2005)

"The council recognises that the development and regeneration of Weston is dependent, not only on economic investment, but social regeneration, the investment in communities and in the local infrastructure".

Actions planned for 2005/06 include:
"Work with partners to draw up detailed plans for the RAF Locking site and West Wick".

Possible Compulsory Purchase Order on Locking's Church (February 2005)

Planners Safeguard RAF Trees (January 2005)

Glamorous Film Studio Set for Town's RAF Base (January 2005)

RAF Locking's 'Tribute Trees' saved from the axe - Weston Mercury July 2004

Historic trees on RAF Locking have been saved from destruction, for now!

The South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) have objected to preservation orders to legally protect trees on the site of RAF Locking. At least 15 trees were planted in memory of former airmen or their families, or to mark special occasions such as royal visits.

Stay of Execution for RAF Locking's Church - Weston Mercury July 2004

The church at RAF Locking has won a stay of execution, for the time being at least.

English Partnerships and the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA), which own the former RAF Camp, had announced plans to demolish the church, one of the few buildings still standing.

Weston Mercury (Extract) Jan 2004

A battle between councillors and Government agencies looks set to erupt over plans to build houses on the former RAF Locking camp.

The South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) and English Partnerships have confirmed they will use the 81-hectare site to create hundreds of homes and jobs once demolition work finishes in the next few months. Councillor Elfan Rees said: "When we met with SWRDA and English Partnerships representatives they said the camp would be split 50-50 for employment and housing.

Local Press Autumn 2003

Extract from Hutton and Locking political newsletter (Conservative)

RAF Locking Purchased 2002

Press Extract September 1999

Civic leaders in North Somerset are to press the Government to bring the Army to the threatened RAF Locking base near Weston-super-Mare. “RAF Locking has always made an enormous contribution to the local community and I sincerely hope the Government takes the sensible route and use an existing camp rather than the more expensive option of a completely new site in Scotland,” said Councillor Barry Walters, Leader of North Somerset Council.

“I am pleased that all political parties have joined together to try and secure the future of this site for the maximum benefit of local people,” said Brian Cotter MP. “The camp provides local jobs and is very much part of the community”.

Parliamentary Announcement of RAF Locking Closure

Written Answers to Questions - Thursday 18 May 1995 -TRADE AND INDUSTRY (Extract)

Mr. Devlin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the future of ground training in the Royal Air Force. [25563]

Mr. Soames: Following issue of the consultative document on 22 March 1995 recommending the closure of RAF Locking and the transfer of its training task to RAF Cosford, representations have been made by the hon. Member for Weston-super-Mare (Sir J. Wiggin), and local authorities. My Department has consulted thoroughly with the trade unions and relevant local authorities, and full and careful consideration has been given to all of the representations that we have received.

Following this work I am satisfied that no issues have been raised which call into question the viability of the proposals, which satisfactorily meet our future ground training needs and save £6,000, 000 per annum. I have therefore decided that RAF Locking should close by1 April 1998.

We will, of course, continue to consult the trade unions about the detailed implementation of the closure and transfer of work to RAF Cosford.