MARSHALL Aerospace has ruled out relocating to RAF Wyton – dashing hopes of bringing hundreds of jobs to Huntingdonshire. The company had been looking at alternative sites for moving its Cambridge-based business to make way for 3,500 homes on its airport

MARSHALL Aerospace has ruled out relocating to RAF Wyton - dashing hopes of bringing hundreds of jobs to Huntingdonshire.

The company had been looking at alternative sites for moving its Cambridge-based business to make way for 3,500 homes on its airport land.

The firm had been discussing a potential move with Huntingdonshire District Council, but last week Marshall said it was staying put.

Group chairman Sir Michael Marshall said "relocation is not a feasible option at this time" although he did not rule out the possibility that circumstances could change in the future.

Early in the negotiations Alconbury and then Mildenhall in Suffolk were ruled out and RAF Wyton's prospects looked promising. HDC had been keen to welcome the firm to the district.

Malcolm Sharp, director of environmental and community services at HDC, said he was disappointed that discussions about the potential relocation had come to "an abrupt halt".

"The relocation could have had a significant positive effect on the Huntingdonshire area, while retaining the company's historic ties with Cambridge."

Councillor for Upwood and the Raveleys John Bell said it was an "understandable decision" because of the costs involved in the move.

He told The Hunts Post: "Marshall also does not really want to move from Cambridge. I think it would have been very expensive for them to go to Wyton."

Cllr Bell added: "It is a shame as it would have meant jobs for the area, but there is an awful lot of money that needs to be spent on the infrastructure first."

Marshall Aerospace has been at its 800-acre site since 1937 and is one of the biggest employers in Cambridge.

Sir Michael said: "This has been an exhaustive and expensive review process, but we needed to be certain that any potential relocation would not adversely affect the business, our customers or our employees.

"That review has now been completed and it is clear that relocation is not a feasible option at this time, but we do not rule out the possibility that circumstances may change again in the future, in which case we would be prepared to reconsider it."

Alex Plant, chief executive of Cambridgeshire Horizons, the company set up to deliver infrastructure support to new developments in the county, said he was also disappointed at relocation plans being shelved.

He said the east of Cambridge area represented "the best possible site for sustainable growth given its location close to exiting jobs and facilities.