Agenda item

Report of the Head of Development Management – Community Development Services.

The Head of Development Management – Community Development Services determination of an application for full planning permission for proposed development of Bagby Airfield to include:- demolition and rebuild of hangar G; extension and external alteration of hangar F; demolition of the existing maintenance facility and erection of a new facility to form a ground floor museum hangar with first floor accommodation;  construction of a new control tower and new tractor shed/workshop; demolition and replacement of two temporary hangars with a new hangar; creation of a new aircraft electric charging point; extension to the runway geotextile tiling; hard and soft landscaping and creation of a new bowser at The Airfield, Bagby.

One part of the application was retrospective, and permission was sought for the construction of a new clubhouse, which would be used as a new clubhouse (not at present) following demolition of the existing clubhouse and control tower.

The application was considered appropriate to be determined by the Planning Committee due to the proposal raising significant planning issues as considered by the Director of Community Development.

Due to the technical nature of the proposed development and the potential harm to the local community, the Council sought professional aviation advice from York Aviation to determine if the proposals were required or needed as part of the development of the airfield. York Aviation were used by Hambleton District Council in the determination of planning application reference: 16/02240/FUL and had knowledge of the site and its history.

The application sought planning permission for a re-development of several buildings within Bagby Airfield. As the site was within a countryside location and a business in a rural area it was considered that the proposal to re-develop certain buildings was in accordance with the Council’s Local Plan Policies as the majority of the re-builds were on the same footprint as existing buildings or involved appropriate increases in floor space of existing buildings. The proposal was considered acceptable and in accordance with Local Plan policies in respect of all other material considerations, subject to the imposition of the recommended planning conditions. 

It was acknowledged that the proposed development was not the operational expansion of the airfield and would not result in operations at the airfield surpassing that to which they are limited under condition 13 of planning permission ref. 16/02240/FUL (the number of aircraft movements allowed within a calendar year). Rather, the expansion of the business would be in the form of increasing the quality of existing on-site facilities and providing sufficient storage space to support the goals outlined in the applicant’s Business Plan.

The proposed development would enable Bagby Airfield to move away from smaller hobbyist aircraft and microlights to more modern aircraft. Alongside enhancing the security of the airfield and the safety of its operators, the proposed works would enable the airfield to comply with UK Border Force regulations and attendant HMRC import/export rules, enabling arrival and departure from and to EU and non-UK destinations.

The proposals would improve the current hangar space on the site and provide upgraded clubhouse facilities to accommodate visitors to the site. Furthermore, the application also proposed the introduction of a museum for visitors to the airfield to view vintage aircraft on display at the airfield. It was considered that these changes were in line with the Council’s Local Plan Policies and the overarching principles of the NPPF.

As set out in HM Government's (2015) General Aviation Strategy (GAS), GA airfields must adapt to survive. The adaptions proposed within the subject application will secure the airfield's future in the face of rapid change and financial pressures. Particular support was received at the national level, with Bagby Airfield forming an important component in a broad network of UK aerodromes, the protection and enhancement of which is key to the UK Aviation Policy Framework.

Overall, the proposed developments at Bagby Airfield secures the long-term sustainability of a general aviation airfield, whilst improving the quality of facilities available to its members and visitors. It was proposed that the development was in accordance with the Council’s Local Plan Policies.

The Division Member welcomed the application as they believed it would improve the relationship between the applicant and the neighbouring parish councils in addition to improving the appearance of the site.

Members welcomed the modernisation of facilities and the provision of electric charging points.

Councillor Burr proposed and Councillor Taylor seconded that planning permission be granted.

Decision

That planning permission be GRANTED subject to the conditions listed in the report.

Voting record

6 For

1 Abstention

The meeting paused from 11.30 – 11.35am.