Enstone Airfield faces runway closure

The plan for the Enstone development

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Enstone Airfield is currently battling a planning

application which would lead to the closure of its main runway.

The airfield is situated on land owned by Jersey-based

company Lomand Holdings, whose sister company Leven Holdings owns much of the

industrial land to the south and east of Enstone’s runways. If the application

was granted, the proposed development would span its main runway – and Enstone

Airfield says it would be forced to close.

In the planning application, which is lodged with West

Oxfordshire District Council, Lomand Holdings states that the development would

have minimal on the airfield and its clubs: “Although the proposed development

involves a middle section of the main runway it should not affect the flying

rights of the Clubs that operate from within the Great Tew Estate or from the

established grass strip north of the main runway.”

Paul Fowler, of Enstone Flying Club, says “It is clear to

all that the positioning of this development is designed to close the main

runway. Having achieved this, the airfield will no longer be classed as an airfield,

allowing it to be developed further.” He attributes the application to a

“cunning plan” on Lomand’s part: “They are unlikely to actually do any actual

building, but planning consent is all they need to sell the site on to a

developer.”

Enstone is home to four flying clubs – all of which will be

affected by the plans if they are successful. The airfield, which is renowned

for its friendly welcome and central location, is fighting the plans – and is

appealing for the UK’s GA pilots to support its cause. Objection emails should

be sent as soon as possible to planning@westoxon.gov.uk.

The planners are only interested in planning/safety issues (not emotional pleas),

for example: the loss of a nationally important airfield and one of the last GA

airfields of its type left in Oxfordshire; the safety issues relating to the

structures located on the centre line and next to active runways.

To see the full proposal, visit

http://planning.westoxon.gov.uk/MVM/Online/PL/ApplicationSearch.aspx

(application no. 11/0607/P/OP)

The area marked in blue on the above map is owned by Lomand

Holdings. Leven Holdings owns much of the site to the south and east of the

runways. Enstone Airfield authorities have identified at least three

alternative positions for the development (three of which are marked here in

red)