23 March 2018
Pilots and anyone interested in keeping a strong network of General Aviation airfields around the UK are being urged to respond to the latest government consultation on planning policy.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on General Aviation is calling on everyone who wants to see a thriving UK General Aviation sector to respond en-masse to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) consultation by proposing four further small amendments.
The APPG says these minor tweaks are “absolutely essential” to protect and enhance the UK’s General Aviation sector, which is worth £3bn to the economy, directly employs 38,000 people in high-tech jobs and forms the basis of the far wider £60bn+ aviation sector.
Chair of the 148-strong parliamentary group, Grant Shapps MP, said: “Whilst it’s great to have General Aviation recognised in the National Planning Policy Framework for the very first time, this won’t solve the problem of a diminishing airfield network.
“If we are to maintain and enhance our position and deliver the government’s own stated objective of being the best country in the world for General Aviation, then the NPPF needs to make four further small changes.
“That is why I have written to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, The Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, asking for four simple amendments that would make all the difference.
“Ministers do recognise that the future of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) jobs are at stake. This consultation provides General Aviation’s chance to make sure we get this right as a nation for future generations. Now we need everyone who cares about General Aviation to take a couple of minutes to respond.”
The APPG is asking all parts of the General Aviation community to back the proposed amendments by visiting www.generalaviationappg.uk/nppf today. The whole process takes less than 60-seconds, but could keep General Aviation vibrant for future generations.
The consultation closes on 10 May 2018.
The proposed amendments seek to protect and enhance airfields, align airfields with other venues when it comes to recognising their existence, and align airfields with land used for agriculture or forestry.
They would also add this definition of General Aviation airfields: “Licenced or unlicenced aerodromes with hard or grass runways often with extensive areas of open land related to aviation activity. Airfields form part of the national transport infrastructure. Changes in technology will require aerodromes to adapt and change over time.”
All Party Parliamentary Group on General Aviation
15 comments
Hi you need to correct the consultation close date to 2018 you currently have it as 2017
I support these 4 amendments and hope that their inclusion in the NPPF will halt and reverse the decline in General Aviation facilities that is occurring.
I want to add my voice in support of these vital amendment to preserve the few airfields left including ex RAF sites such as Coltishall and all other airfields. I therefore add my support to these 4 amendments proposed by the APPG for inclusion in the NPPF thereby safeguarding our remaining airfields for the Nation and future generations.
Done. My local airfield is under threat. Those trying to sell the land to the developers assured the planning committee that the Americans left after WW2 and only left a hangar behind on this poor agricultural land. They omitted saying that a very active airfield remained and that the hangar and more were filled with active aircraft. A friend held me down as we were not allowed to speak!
I support the four amendments General Aviation needs support in this country
and not a knife in the back job.