A former World War II airbase in Suffolk could soon become a new hub for leisure and light industry under a proposal aiming to balance heritage preservation with sustainable tourism.
James Genn-Bromley has submitted an application to East Suffolk Council to redevelop the former Flixton airfield near Bungay into a campsite and small-business centre.
The proposal outlines plans to introduce touring caravan, motorhome, and campervan pitches, along with potential glamping pods, nature trails, and picnic areas.
The site, located off Grange Road, once hosted 2,500 personnel from the United States Army Air Forces and served as the base for 70 B-24 bomber crews during World War II.
Between 1942 and 1945, 273 combat missions were launched from Flixton, including operations linked to the D-Day landings. The base was closed in 1956 and sold in the early 1960s.
As part of the proposal, two historic military buildings—the former gymnasium and squash court—would be converted into workshops for small-scale enterprises. A former ration store on the site would be renovated into a holiday-let property.
According to the planning statement, “The conversion of the former military airbase into leisure and light industrial use presents a unique opportunity to blend history, sustainability, and recreation. This project aims to create a destination that respects the past while providing a vibrant future for the community and visitors alike.”
The planning documents indicate that several buildings are in deteriorating condition.
“Without intervention, the existing buildings will soon become beyond repair,” the statement added. According to the Eastern Daily Press, the development proposal includes four motorcycle spaces, 13 public carrier vehicle spaces, three car spaces, and 10 campervan spaces.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality sector, the project reflects a growing trend toward redeveloping historic or underused rural properties into multi-use leisure destinations.
Repurposing sites like Flixton can diversify local economies, extend tourism seasons, and attract a broader visitor demographic interested in both heritage and outdoor experiences.
Members of the public can review or comment on the proposal, referenced as DC/25/3376/FUL, through the East Suffolk Council planning portal.