VIDEO: It closed in 2011
The leader of Plymouth City Council says its ambitions depend on its airport reopening.
Plymouth Airport closed in 2011 and the site has been redundant since.
Now the developer that holds the lease is facing losing it in a row over use of the site.
The council says Sutton Harbour Group (SHG) is reaching covenants in the lease.
Tudor Evans, the local authority's leader, told the BBC: "We have tried the discussions and negotiations for a number of years with Sutton Harbour, but to no avail. We wanted to avoid going down the legal route, but time is running out.
"We are a major city, we have ambitions to grow and thrive and an airport must be part of that story."
This video report is from BBC Spotlight.
Councillor stands under trees to stop chainsaw massacre
Three years jail for charity box thief
Spat over whether 'inadequate' children's services are as bad as MP suggests
Totnes market not opening in Christmas week
Torbay adult social care rated 'good'
