News

Council U-turn on airport flights cap

By Jack Sommers
October 01, 2010

PLANS to stop capping the number of flights at Farnborough Airport have been beaten by objectors.

Rushmoor Borough Council, which awards or denies planning permission for more flights, wanted to remove a clause that limits how many can take off.

Instead, it proposed judging increases on the negative and positive results of more aircraft in the sky.

This would have been a departure from the current, outgoing plan, which limits the airport to 28,000 flights a year.

But the council had to change its mind after objections from residents, alarmed at the prospect of thousands more aircraft flying over their homes.

As it draws up the new Rushmoor Plan, the authority has also had to delay the part relating to the airport.

The government has not decided whether TAG, which runs the airport, should get the 50,000 flights a year it wants, up from the current 28,000.

The new Rushmoor Plan will now limit the airport to 28,000 or 50,000 annual flights, depending on the government’s decision after a forthcoming appeal.

Geoff Marks, who campaigned against expanding the airport, said the drawn-out planning processes were making many residents fed up.

TAG applied to double its weekend flights and when it was unsuccessful, appealed and won.

It was then refused permission for 50,000 flights a year and appealed. The result of that inquiry is not expected until next year.

“TAG has sought to expand, bit by bit,” Mr Marks said. “It has left residents here very cynical about it.

“These plans are so important to them. The flights at the airport mean how disturbed they’re going to be, which has a lot to do with important decisions they have to make. Should they stay or should they go?”

“It’s difficult because you’re always preparing for the next inquiry. You know it’s coming.”

Mr Marks said he was also concerned what would happen if TAG got permission for 50,000 flights and then would seek permission by 2019 for even more flights.

Andrew Lloyd, the council’s chief executive, said: “Any new application would be carefully considered on the economic benefits weighed against the negative benefits.

“Having a set number of flights in the Rushmoor Plan would not mean we would confirm or reject any new application. We would always examine it closely.”

The council has published a draft of the new Rushmoor Plan but it does not have the Farnborough Airport Area Action Plan in it.

The Rushmoor Plan includes comments on the airport, such as the council affirming its importance to the local economy and saying business aviation should continue there.

Mr Lloyd said no detailed plans about the airport could be produced and approved until the government had decided the appeal.

The council now expects the airport action plan to be published by autumn 2011.

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Most recent user comments 4 of 4

Natalie's comments are bang on the mark. If you are in the fortunate position of having a private jet you will not be flying into Farnborough for the purpose of doing business in Farnborough (or enjoying leisure time). Your limo will be ready and waiting to drive you straight onto the M3 and into London. Likewise, anyone leaving from here will be driving straight down to their plane from London (or anywhere else for that matter). Why stop in Farnborough to buy anything or stay overnight when we are so close to the capital?

Anyone reading this that can prove us wrong please come forward!

Dan B
11/10/2010 at 09:30

'Fuller hotel rooms and an increase in the profile of the town' ? So people like the Beckhams that fly in and out of Farnborough will 'stay over' in the Village or the Aviator, or perhaps a local B&B? Maybe they'll be eating in the town centre restaurants - Pizza Hut or Wimpy perhaps? Or perhaps they'll fly into Farnborough and hightail it off to London... after all, it is 'London Farnborough'... more than likely fly into Farnborough and drive into London. The reality is that the massive increase in flights will bring little to Farnborough other than disruption and increased risk to residents. The majority of local businesses will NOT benefit from the increase in flights.

Natalie Gladman
10/10/2010 at 10:30

Well I guess economic benefits would be an increase in employment at the airfield , more work for other local contractors , fuller hotel rooms and increase in the profile of the town which in turn would attract investment and more of the same , alternatively we could try and get rid of the place , and watch the local economy nosedive to new depths .

Si G, Farnborough
04/10/2010 at 12:01

"The council had to change its mind after objections from residents, alarmed at the prospect of thousands more aircraft flying over their homes." How did it come to the view that unlimited flights is OK?

Without consultation with Councillors or residents obviously. Sounds like Keith Holland's work.

Andrew Lloyd, the council’s chief executive (£120k+ Town Clerk), said: “Any new application would be carefully considered on the economic benefits weighed against the negative benefits. Can he please quantify any economic benefit that he refers to as I've never seen a £ figure justified - probably because there isn't any.