Film director Guy Ritchie has revealed his plans for Compton Abbas Airfield just days after it was announced he was to purchase the site.

It was revealed on Friday (October 7) that Ritchie would purchase the airfield, near Shaftesbury, after 34 years of ownership by the Hughes family.

Ashcombe Estates Ltd, owned and operated by Ritchie, will occupy the airfield from February 2023.

Ritchie has now announced his plans for the airfield in a letter to the "staff, residents and wider community". 

In the letter he recognises the airfield as being at "the heart of the flying community" for many years and pledged to operate the site "in the spirit" of the Hughes family.

Improvements will be made to the existing buildings and infrastructure though Ritchie says "this will be done in a sympathetic manner".

He also pledges to "continue to operate the Airfield for both resident and guest aircraft" and added that whilst he wished to maintain flying training it wasn't something the Estate could manage by itself.

The full letter from Guy Ritchie reads: "We are pleased to announce that Ashcombe Estates are purchasing Compton Abbas Airfield from the Hughes family. Compton Abbas Airfield is an important part of the local area and has been the heart of the flying community here for many years.

"We will keep running the Airfield in the spirit that has been curated by the Hughes family over their years of ownership. We will make some improvements to the buildings and infrastructure, this will be done in a sympathetic manner, with the current community of users included in the planning.

"We will continue to operate the Airfield for both resident and guest aircraft. Residents can continue to rent hanger space here. We will keep the cafe and bar running so that it will remain a regional destination for families.

"We want to maintain flying training but we cannot manage the flying school ourselves. 

"We would like to discuss, with those currently involved in the school, ways that we could enable flying training activities to continue. Resident organisations which run independently of CAA will be welcome and encouraged to continue to operate.

“We will move some of the storage and workshop activities which currently take place at Ashgrove Farm to the Airfield. This will not interfere significantly with current flying operations.

“There will be a carefully managed transition period with the Hughes family to ensure that nothing is rushed. As discussions develop, we will keep you up to date with plans and ensure there is opportunity for regular dialogue.”

Confirming the sale on Friday, a statement on the Compton Abbas Airfield website read: “Clive, Margaret, Emma and Laura would like to thank each and every one of you who has visited and been a part of life at the airfield over the last 34 years.

“Selling the airfield has been an incredibly difficult decision to make as it has been the focus of all our lives for so long, and we are certainly going to miss everyone who made our time there so enjoyable.

“However, we feel that now is the right time to hang up our hats, and we are looking forward to seeing some exciting developments unfold under the new owners.”