Core strategy keeps Wellesbourne as an airfield

The full council of Stratford-on-Avon District Council has confirmed its Core Strategy planning blueprint safeguarding Wellesbourne Airfield.

The planning inspector’s final report concluded that Wellesbourne Airfield was unsuitable for development due to the lack of capacity on the highways network, the loss of airfield activities and landscape impacts.

Wellesbourne is one of the UK’s busiest General Aviation airfields located four miles east of Stratford upon Avon in Warwickshire. The airfield has four fixed wing flying schools, a busy café, on-site aircraft maintenance and is Heliair’s UK headquarters.

Cllr Chris Saint, leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council said, “Wellesbourne Airfield is an important asset for Wellesbourne and the surrounding areas. The District Council has always valued the airfield and its related business and aviation facilities and has been keen to establish this from the outset. We have always sought to protect this site from development, safeguarding not only the existing activities but the future of the airfield and we have now been able to do so.”

Cllr Dave Riches, Enterprise and Revenues Portfolio, said, “This is great news. Around the country small, General Aviation airfields are at threat and it’s important that we strive to protect them. Hopefully now, we can support the airfield to sustain its existing social and economic benefits and work towards improving them.”

Legal process to renew leases

Mike Roberts, managing director of Take Flight Aviation based on the airfield, said, “I’m delighted with the news and would like to acknowledge the support of the council and the campaign group Wellesbourne Matters.

“Legal process is now taking place to renew the business leases at the airfield. It is also comforting to know that the council have not ruled out compulsory purchase should the owners think they can make some back door planning application by attempting to close the airfield or change its use.

“What is both costly and disappointing is that we have paid the airfield owners millions of pounds in rent and fuel sales over the last ten years, yet they have refused to offer any evidence as to why our lease should not be renewed and we are having to resort to unnecessary legal process.”

Hana Smiddy, sales and marketing director of Take Flight Aviation, said, “The campaign has strengthened the bonds between many of the airfield businesses. Flywell, Heliair, On Track Aviation, South Warwickshire Flying School, Take Flight Aviation, The Touchdown Café and the on-site maintenance facility, Warwickshire Aviation, have all contributed financially to the legal fight to save the airfield and we look forward to working with them as the airfield develops over the coming years.”

Wellesbourne Airfield