TOLLERTON airfield has been dealt a blow by news that a helicopter company is set to leave the site.
The airfield, also known as Nottingham City Airport, is home to Central Helicopters Ltd, which runs pleasure flights.
But now the company has been granted permission to build a new base at Broughton Lodge Farm in Fosse Way, Upper Broughton.
Airfield owner Brian Wells, of Edwalton, said the move would have a big financial impact and he was now seeking a new lease-holder for the site.
"It is a big loss," he said.
"Obviously I would have preferred it if they'd stayed, but business is business, and we will replace them."
Daniel Briggs, 29, is a director of the family-run helicopter company, which teaches people how to fly helicopters as well as taking people up for a pleasure flights over Nottingham.
He said: "We needed to move because we wanted a more permanent base.
"At Tollerton we couldn't get a long enough lease, and we need that security of tenure for the future.
"I believe there are a lot of things planned for the airport so I think it will be okay without us."
Pilot Tom Booth, 57, of Loughborough, who uses Tollerton airport regularly said he hoped the airport would not be too badly affected by the move.
Mr Booth, who flies small high-speed modern planes and has accrued 350 hours flying since January, said: "As it stands I don't think the move will directly effect anyone who uses the airport. But I wouldn't want to see the airport fall into difficulties."
The move is expected to take place next spring. Central Helicopters has been based at Tollerton for the past five years.
The company originally tried to move to Upper Broughton in May, but were turned down by Rushcliffe Borough Council's planning committee, despite it a recommendation for approval by planning officers.
At the time it was felt helicopter flights would spoil people's enjoyment of paths and bridleways.
Mr Briggs said that, on average, there would be four or five flights a day from Upper Broughton, although this could increase during the summer months, and in the winter months there may be none at all.
Mr Wells confirmed he had offered the company a five-year lease to stay.
Plans to create a business park and a £75 million private hospital on land at Nottingham City Airport were granted permission in June last year.
Mr Wells is also the landowner at Sharphill, in Edwalton, where plans have been approved to build 1,200 homes, a school, retail space and a health centre.
These plans were met with strong opposition from local residents but were given the go-ahead by a planning inspector following a public inquiry.
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