Features

Farnborough Airport debate

THE operator of Farnborough Airport, TAG Aviation, has won its planning battle to double the number of weekend flights at the airport.

The airport can now accept up to 5,000 take-offs and landings a year – twice the previous allowed total of 2,500.

For the rest of this year, a pro-rata calculation will allow the airport to accept a total of 4,200 aircraft movements at weekends.

The government has agreed with TAG that the economic benefits of allowing an expansion of weekend activities outweighs any environmental impact in the surrounding area.

The government’s finding overrules the decision by the planning authority, Rushmoor Borough Council, who originally blocked the application in June 2006, before contesting the appeal against it by TAG.

Vox Pops

‘This decision means we will be able to satisfy substantial demand from business aviation aircraft at weekends, making better use of existing infrastructure. It is important to the community due to the economic benefits that that will generate.’

‘It is clear from the public’s response to the consultation process, and their contributions to the inquiry, that not only were they concerned about their loss of amenity, but that the approval of TAG’s appeal would be seen as the government giving a green light to an overall increase in the number of movements.’

‘The inspector’s assertion that Farnborough Airport is extremely important confirms everything that has been said. Having walked around the residential areas, his observation that the traffic noise generally masks the noise of aircraft movements is interesting.’

‘Throughout, the clearly expressed will of people was to maintain the balance between keeping the airport viable and keeping weekends free from additional disruption. I am disappointed local feeling has been overturned.’

'Many will be unhappy with the inspector’s conclusion that their quality of life would not be adversely affected, but I am happy a decision has finally It has been six months since the inspector wrote and dated the report. Now we have got the decision, it allows us to work on the local development plan, so we can get out to the community later in the year with our vision for the borough.'

Timeline

Oct 2005: TAG asks Rushmoor for permission to double the number of flights at weekends. PR company Green Issues holds public consultation to show plans to residents. Of nearly 1,900 letters, 1,802 are objections.

Nov 2005: Deluge of complaints forces council to extend consultation period by three weeks.

Dec 2005: Hundreds of people pack out Lakeside in Frimley Green to protest against proposals.

Jan 2006: Hotline set up for complaints by residents about noise receives only eight calls in a month.

Feb 2006: TAG says it will stagger the increase and limit movements by larger aircraft. Second consultation ends with 1,700 comments, 1,660 against and nine in support.

Mar 2006: Sir Donald Spiers, chairman of TAG, says that in the last two years 3,000 planes have been turned away at weekends costing the company around £1.25m.

Jun 2006: Cheers from members of the public as Rushmoor’s planning committee reject the plans by five votes to two.

Oct 2006: TAG appeals to the government over the decision.

Jan 2007: Public inquiry on Tuesday Jan 23, begins hearing four days of evidence under independent planning inspector Ken Smith and then adjourns to April 2.

April 2007: Four more days of inquiry including closing statements from both sides.

Sept 2007: Government says it won’t deliver its decision by its original October 31 deadline.

Dec 2007: TAG buys Farnborough airport outright from MoD for £1 million.

March 2008: Government agrees to allow rise in weekend flights.

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The government has approved plans to double the number of weekend flights at Farnborough Airport.More...

Farnborough Airport allowed to double weekend flights14/3/2008

THE operator of Farnborough Airport, TAG Aviation, has won its planning battle to double the number of weekend flights at the airport.More...