THE closure of Plymouth's airport has not hampered the city's economic development, a leading expert says.
Guy Walker, a partner at law firm Nash and Co Solicitors, was a director of Plymouth Chamber of Commerce for 11 years, mainly handling the transport portfolio.
Heavily involved in the debate surrounding the airstrip's closure in 2011, at the time he called it "a major asset for the city" and said it would be irreplaceable.
But four years on from its demise, Mr Walker said its loss has not held the city back.
He helped set up the Peninsula Rail Task Force and was heavily involved in the debate about the future of the A303. He stressed transport has been "a major challenge" but it hasn't stopped Plymouth progressing.
"We used to talk of Plymouth having huge potential," he said. "And now we are seeing things really happen.
"It's amazing how much development is taking place. We are realising that potential.
"I recognise the people of Plymouth want to see the re-opening of what they regard as their own airport," he added. "But Exeter airport is manageable for most people from Plymouth and I don't think Plymouth has suffered."
Mr Walker said there could be scope for smaller aircraft, 20-seater types, operating as a "bus stop" route to small regional airports but said there would still be a challenge connecting to London airports.
He is advocating strong lobbying for improvements to the region's road and rail network.
"The push should be for improvements to the rail infrastructure, and A358 and A303 dualling would make a big difference," he said.
Plymouth City Airport closed when long-leaseholder Sutton Harbour Holdings activated an "Armageddon clause", telling freehold-owner Plymouth City Council it was not commercially viable to continue flights.
SHH views the land as an important site for development, and wants to sell the lease.
The Plymouth Plan, the council's long-term strategic blueprint for how the city develops, recommends protecting the airport for aviation.
SHH last week wrote to Chancellor George Osborne to complain about the council's standpoint.
The company has stressed the airport is "dead" and mothballing the site will prevent regeneration of a strategic city asset for at least 20 years.