Cotswold Airport has an adrenalin-charged history. From its early days as RAF Kemble through its vital work in WW2 and covert role in the cold war, it's also renowned as the home of the Red Arrows.

But its latest chapter signals chocks away for a more ground-based drama with the approval of plans for a specialist supercar firm to expand its thriving sales at the historic site.

With Redline Specialist Cars, based in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, reporting increasing demand for high-end performance and supercar models, the business now lays claim to being the UK's number one dealer in wheels for elite buyers. 

Records with Companies House show the business has sold cars between £10,000 and up to £5m in value, while its latest annual turnover topped £182m.

In the shadow of two listed WW2 aircraft hangars, Yorkshire-based Redline Specialist Cars are requesting approval on the fine details for a plan initially approved by Cotswold District Council last autumn which will see the bespoke sportscar trader develop new workshops, offices, storage and parking at the out-of-town showroom.

Proposed at Plot D3 which backs onto the A433 and is screened by trees, the permission is for the redevelopment of the site to offer 539 square metres of office, workshop and storage units, with parking for 16 cars as well as EV and hydrogen charge points.

An explanatory document from Cheltenham-based Smith Hotchen Partneship said: "The revision to the design is only 309m2 to create a sales environment for classic and specialist cars."

Two client visits are anticipated per day at the sales venue, the dealers' website suggesting that its stock in trade sets the firm in pole position as car fixers for the rich and famous: from McLaren to Bugatti via Lamborghini and such 'lesser' brands as Porsche, Alfa Romeo and BMW, standard search options extend to a price of £400,000.

Redline, which began on a cramped forecourt in Yorkshire in 1997, was founded by Rob Milner and John Graeme and built on a declared love of "the art of buying and selling cars". It now has a staff of more than 50, including a resident photographer. Turnover

A company statement said: "Redline today stands as the UK's pre-eminent independent specialist in supercars, prestige vehicles, and high-performance cars. With a monthly turnover exceeding 200 high-value vehicles, a dedicated team of over 50 professionals, and a vibrant community that extends beyond 100,000 individuals, we've etched our presence with excellence."

A steel-frame construction is proposed for the project, with renewable sources planned for the work and a specification that targets "above requirement thermal performance making this a very economic property to heat and run". Key details include rainwater harvesting "for use in all aspects of the everyday running of the business", as well as air source heat pumps and solar panelling.

A spokesman told Punchline-Gloucester.com: "Despite the economic challenges, the sector we work in has seen strong growth and client demand keeps growing, which reflects our passion for what we do. Our clients are not always time-rich though and Kemble should make it easier for us to connect with buyers in the region."

Clients purchasing wheels from Redline can also tick the box for home delivery... or at £600 per person, collect the keys at a special champagne handover within a VIP overnight package at a stately home in North Yorkshire.