19 August 2025
The microlight community is up in arms about a threat to Plaistows Airfield near St Albans in Hertfordshire.
A planning application has been submitted by the adjacent farm to turn the whole farm into a solar farm. Leaving aside arguments against turning productive farmland into a power station, the acres of solar panels may affect operations at the airfield.
Plaistows Airfield has been operating for more than 45 years, and is the home of over 50 microlights, the Exodus Airsports flying school and Exodus Aircraft, which makes the successful DeltaJet 500 flexwing.
The British Microlight Aircraft Association (BMAA) said, “This would have a massive effect upon the safe operation at Plaistows, mainly due to the loss of safe landing options following an engine failure on approach or after take-off.
“Other factors affecting safety are glint and glare, thermal plumes and increased low level turbulence.”
The planning application shows a massive area of solar panels plus ancillary equipment – effectively this is a power station. Plaistows Airfield is at the lower edge, centre, of this image
The planning application details a massive enterprise. It includes construction, operation and subsequent decommissioning of a solar farm, comprising ground mounted solar photovoltaics, together with associated infrastructure including inverters, transformers, cabling, CCTV, fencing, access tracks and landscaping.
The BMAA is urging pilots to lodge an objection through the planning portal comment system. The application is 5/2025/1132. Click here to object before the end of August.
Alternatively, you can email objections to [email protected] quoting reference 5/2025/1132.
If you require any further information, contact Rob Grimwood at [email protected]
