BRANSCOMBE NEEDS HELP

14 Jul 2008

Save to de.icio.us

HELP is needed by the owners of Branscombe Airfield to gain planning permission and keep the air strip open.

Jamie Dyson of Branscombe Airfield – a private, grass airstrip in East Devon - told LOOP, "Unfortunately we currently have to make an application for planning permission to continue using the air strip.

"We have faced large opposition from a very small but vocal group (been on BBC 3 times and Radio 2 Jeremy Vine show) of neighbours who want the airfield shut down due to supposed ‘noise pollution’.

"It's ironic considering the neighbours [who are] complaining own farms with tractors and agricultural machinery that make far more noise throughout the day than our single aircrafts movements once or twice per day!

"Couple that with the fact that the two major objectors moved into their houses six years after the airfield had already been operating.

"In January we put together an application which we had to withdraw as the council recommended refusal on the grounds of noise pollution.

"The council stated that one area that supports our application is the good that the airfield has for the GA community. Therefore, it's useful if pilots and others could write a letter of support.

"Some ideas as to why Branscombe should survive can be general statements such as:

* The decline of GA Airfields in the UK
* Dying skills such as the historic aircraft that are restored here
* The value to general public down the line as most pilots start the airline careers from small airfields (although we are not applying for training!!)
* The value to GA to have as many airfields available as possible
* The benefits to local trade
* The right to continue our hobby freely
* How well regulated we are in terms of competency testing

"Basically – anything you can think of as to why Branscombe and other airfields should not be closed down."

The Planning Application must be submitted by 25 July 2008. Address letters of support for the attention of Planners at East Devon District Council – but send them to Branscombe at the address below.

SEND Letters to:
Branscombe Airfield
Higherlands Farm
Seaton
Devon EX12 3BL