AMBITIOUS plans to develop an airfield at Lee-on-the-Solent have moved closer to reality.

Improvements for the Daedalus airfield at Lee-on-the-Solent were discussed by Hampshire County Council bosses and investments totalling £50m have been earmarked for the site.

Cllr Sean Woodward, Hampshire’s executive member for economy, transport and environment, has given the green light for work to begin on the runway itself, which the county will deliver on behalf of Fareham Borough Council.

Plans also include a new hangar and a state-of-the-art innovation centre for small businesses.

Once complete the improvements are expected to create thousands of jobs.