Plans to transform facilities at a small airfield which has been beset by controversy for more than a decade have been recommended for approval.
Hambleton District Council’s planning team has recommended a proposal to bulldoze Bagby Airfield’s clubhouse, control tower, hangars and storage buildings and to build and revamp others is approved.
Campaigners who have battled development plans by solicitor Martin Scott, the owner of the 15-hectare airfield near Thirsk, said should the latest plan be passed by councillors they will press for the Government to launch a fifth public inquiry into the airfield’s use.
The application, set to be decided by councillors on Thursday, is the fourth plan that has been submitted for comprehensive redevelopment of the airfield since 2008, but continues to be contentious.
The proposal has generated 87 letters of objection and 134 of support.
Supporters of the airfield have pointed to its importance as a transport hub and workplace and have said the vast array of proposed restrictions for aircraft movements should alleviate concerns and “lead to the end of the lack of harmony in the village”.
The scheme includes new clubhouse, featuring a room with 28 covers, bar, kitchen toilets and store and above three double guest bedrooms.
The proposal is indicated to create 14 jobs mainly in engineering and hospitality.
A spokesman for Mr Scott said the proposal aimed to improve the services and amenities for the airfield’s users, as well as establishing a lawful level of use – up to 8,440 take-offs and landings annually.
Alongside a range of restrictions to limit flight movements, should the application be approved, the airfield would have to install aircraft surveillance cameras and virtual radar and provide data from them on a publicly accessible website.
Mr Scott’s spokesman said the proposal would benefit the local economy, while not materially increasing flight movements.
However, some residents said while they did not believe the airfield would ever make a significant difference to the local economy, they had no confidence in the council’s ability to enforce restrictions on flight movements.
Bagby and Thirkleby parish councils have lodged numerous objections to the proposal, including long-held concerns over noise from overflying of the village by aircraft.
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