Have your say on Wellesbourne Airfield

The current consultation on proposed main modifications to Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Core Strategy gives local people the opportunity to have a say on the future of Wellesbourne Airfield.

The Planning Inspector who is examining the Core Strategy has provisionally indicated that he supports the Council's wish to retain and support the enhancement of the established flying functions and aviation related facilities at Wellesbourne Airfield.

Cllr Chris Saint, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council says: “If confirmed, the provisional view from the Planning Inspector is a really positive step for those that use Wellesbourne Airfield.  It represents the position that the District Council has been keen to establish from the outset. 

“Wellesbourne Airfield is an important asset for Wellesbourne and the surrounding areas.  The District Council values the airfield and its related business and aviation facilities.  At no time was the airfield included in the District Council's proposed Core Strategy for future housing.  We have always sought to protect this site from development, safeguarding not only the existing activities but the future of the airfield."

Cllr Dave Riches, Enterprise, Housing and Revenues Portfolioadded: “General aviation is important to the local economy, not only is it a source of tourism, but there are many businesses, employing many people as a direct result of the general aviation facilities at Wellesbourne. Airfields should be supported by local government, they are an important part of the social and economic landscape - stopping by the cafe or museum during the summer will easily demonstrate this."

The consultation runs from Thursday 31 March to Thursday 12 May 2016. 

All comments received will be forwarded to the inspector, who will take them into account as he completes his final report on the Core Strategy. 

Background information
 
Following the announcement that local businesses at Wellesbourne Airfield had received eviction notices at the end of 2015, Stratford-on-Avon District Council has been looking at ways to offer support to those on the site.

The District Council has consistently supported the established activities at Wellesbourne Airfield.  In response to representations made by Wellesbourne Matters it put forward a more positive statement about the role of the airfield at the time of plan submission in September 2014.  This approach was formally endorsed at the Full Council meeting in June 2015. The newly published main modifications to Policy AS.9 (the Area Strategy for Wellesbourne) confirm an intention to: 'Retain and support the enhancement of the established flying functions and aviation related facilities at Wellesbourne Airfield.', making it apparent that the Council's position is now provisionally endorsed by the examination inspector.
 

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