RAF Linton-on-Ouse air base is set to close under Government plans to sell sites no longer required by the military.

Councillors have said the closure will have a “knock-on effect” on the community.

And the leader of Hambleton District Council Cllr Mark Robson said he had been given reassurances in the past 18 months that none of the bases in the area would close.

About 300 people work at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, which is north west of York, and many of the jobs are expected to be relocated.

Cllr Geoff Ellis, Conservative councillor for Easingwold, said the closure would have a “knock-on effect” for businesses and the community.

He said: “I’ve lived two miles away from it all my life and it’s provided employment for many people. It will have a knock-on effect, it’s a very sad day. It is of great concern, it should have an impact on the community and businesses. It’s a very famous and historic air base, it’s been training pilots for many, many years and it was considered an icon in this area. We are really proud of RAF Linton-on-Ouse and the activities that took place there. It’s a very high-profile facility and it’s highly regarded.”

He added that it is too early to consider what might happen to the site.

A statement from the Ministry of Defence said RAF Linton-on-Ouse will stop being used by the air force in 2020 and the Government is considering other potential defence uses for the site ahead of an eventual closure. It said disused sites could be sold for housing and money from any sale would be reinvested back into defence.

Minister for Defence, People and Veterans Tobias Ellwood said: “Our military bases are where our service personnel live, train and work, so it’s important that we have sites which suit the needs of the armed forces. That’s why we’re making our defence estate more modern and efficient, by closing sites we don’t need and investing in more modern accommodation.”

Cllr Mark Robson, leader of Hambleton District Council, said: “We were given reassurances only in the last 18 months that none of the Hambleton bases were to close so I would like to understand better what has brought this change about. We will of course work to support the people affected by this news – including the local businesses.”

Prince William trained to be a pilot at the air base, which is off the A19.