Farnborough Airport Expansion

Farnborough Airport Expansion

There is a limit of 28,000 take-off and landings per annum at Farnborough Airport, of which, no more than 2,500 can be at weekends and bank holidays. TAG Farnborough Airport Ltd the lease holders and operators of the airfield, applied to Rushmoor Borough Council for planning permission to double the number of weekend flights on the clear understanding that the overall annual figures of flights remain unchanged. A consultation period ensured ending in 2005 which led to a second consultation closing 17 March 2006 to achieve a similar aim.

A Campaign led by CPRE Rushmoor & Hart and the Farnborough Airfield Residents Association (FARA) successfully persuaded the Borough Council to reject the proposal which since has progressed to appeal. A Public Inquiry triggered by the appeal, to double the weekend movements, will resume on 2nd April 2007.

Of significance is that SEEDA support the change of controls on economic grounds without any consideration of the impact it will have on the environment and in particular the tranquillity and quality of life of residents. A similar stance was taken by SEEDA in supporting the Southampton Airport Masterplan economic expansion. This opens up a wider issue for CPRE campaign at Regional level targeting SEEDA policies in this regard.

It is of interest and somewhat surprising to note that the number of permitted annual movements at Farnborough are more than those at Stansted and Luton Airports.

May 2007