First Aerodromes Update of 2019 Has Some Surprises

Please click for the latest UK Aerodromes Update, provided by John Walker of the GAAC Board (and that of AOPA).

The main points, summarised by John Walker at the AOPA Members Working Group at White Waltham on Saturday 26th January, were:

Plan for 112 houses at Halfpenny Green (Wolverhampton Business Airport) but only on part of the site, not affecting the runways and including development of three new hangars. In this case, the housing will help pay for further development of the airfield.

Langar (Notts) – was owned by British Parachute Schools but sold this month to owner of Tollerton (Nottingham City Airport), who sold that for housing.

Manston – Consultation ends on 9th July, but application is very significant as a “trailblazer” ahead of Heathrow’s formal application for its third runway.

Old Sarum – more Public Inquiry hearings in February.

Redhill Aerodrome – surprisingy seems to be safe from housing now after both local authorities discounted housing prospects or earmarked for employment. Reigate planning inspector rejected housing prospects as it is on a flood plain.

Gamston (Retford) – the biggest surprise was Gamston coming under threat with a proposed Garden Village. Public Consultation ends 10th March. Application seems to have come “out of the blue”. Prompted AOPA CEO Martin Robinson to say there should be a Public Inquiry whenever there is a proposal to close an airfield, as with railway stations. He called on the APPG for GA to make this a focus.

Wellesbourne Mountford – Outcome of business tenants’ Appeal Hearing on 17th January not known yet.

Dunsfold – developers now clear to go ahead with housing after an appeal failed.

An update on various MoD sites is also provided.

 

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