LOOP News

7 SEP 07: BLACK CLOUD OVER KEMBLE

November appeal against enforcement notices for 'wonderful' airfield

THE future of Kemble Airfield hangs in the balance and will be decided at a planning appeal which starts on 27 November.

Flying at Kemble is under threat because Cotswold District Council (CDC) has served enforcement notices for the cessation of general flying.

This follows complaints from local residents about "a range of types of flying," according to Mike Napper, a planning officer at CDC.

Kemble Airfield Estates Ltd has appealed against the notices to the planning inspectorate. "We have also appealed to CDC to enter into further discussion with us to see if we can provide the information they need in order to avoid the huge costs of a Public Inquiry," says David Young, the airfield manager.

"Kemble was opened in 1938," said David Young. "Every conceivable type of aircraft has flown here since, for every conceivable purpose - with the exception of commercial airline flights.

"Cotswold District Council and North Wiltshire District Council, in response to written questions from us when the airfield was purchased from the Ministry of Defence, confirmed in writing that planning permission was not required."

The council claims the principal established planning use of the airfield was for storage, repair and maintenance, and that flying activities should only be ancillary and incidental to those operations.
The council said the aim of the enforcement action is not to stop flying activity at the airfield, but to ensure activities that take place are regulated and authorised.

Director of Development Services for CDC, Andrea Pellegram, said, "The airfield owners have been aware for a considerable period of time that we consider that some of the ongoing flying operations at Kemble are not authorised.

"The Council has been in protracted dialogue with the owners of the airfield. However, this has not yielded satisfactory results. As a result of unsuccessful negotiations, we now feel that the time has come to take action so that all interested parties, including local residents, owners, occupiers and operators, are clear about what activities are permitted at the airfield."
Kemble is operating normally in the meantime.

"It is important for pilots to note that it is 'business as usual'," said David Young. "However, while we are totally confident of the outcome of an Inquiry there does remain a threat to flying. We would appeal to you therefore to sign our petition available in the Ops Room, or AV8, when you visit.

"Kemble is a wonderful facility that has its own special energy and vitality. We contribute greatly to the local economy and people have fun here."
W: www.kemble.com

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LOOP News

7 SEP 07: BLACK CLOUD OVER KEMBLE