Report this comment
  • "But you don't know me. How can you figure my whole persona from one thread on a news article? My attitude is what got me so far in the raf bursary scheme before the government cut the funding.
    I've been told time and again by both military and commercial pilots that I have what it takes. I may have come across poorly to you. But, the fact so many are against the airfield when they don't fully understand the implications of it closing; really gets to me.

    As for those losing out, not only the employees, such as myself; but the owners of private aircraft at Bagby. Where do they go? There is no other base like Bagby in the area.

    If you are a private owner, no doubt you will have met me and the current staff as well. Bagby is still friendly and by no means commercialised.

    As for dodgy people, this is hear-say.

    Bringing this 'debate' to a close, I'd just like to say that whilst we have a difference of opinion I respect your views."
  • This field is mandatory
  • This field is mandatory

  • Please note we will not accept reports with HTML tags or URLs in them.


  • Enter the above word in the box below

Please be fair, courteous and respectful to the views of others so we can build a vibrant community in a safe online environment. You are personal liable for your comments and action will be taken against anyone who offends, ridicules or posts malicious and damaging views. If you wish to complain, please contact us.

Sides entrenched over airstrip planning enquiry

8:00am Wednesday 23rd May 2012 in News By Stuart Minting

GIVING VIEWS: manager Steve Hoyle with Bagby Airfield supporters GIVING VIEWS: manager Steve Hoyle with Bagby Airfield supporters

A LAWYER, a barrister and a solicitor have resumed a struggle over the future use of a grass airstrip.

At the opening of the second public inquiry in 15 months into Bagby Airfield, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, barrister Giles Cannock said the battle over noise from the site was becoming “increasingly entrenched”.

Meanwhile, planning specialist David Cooper predicted the controversy would spark three further hearings.

The Planning Inspectorate hearing, which has been condemned as a waste of council taxpayers’ money, is expected to last five days. Solicitor Martin Scott, who owns the airfield, is trying to overturn enforcement actions by Hambleton District Council to control the site’s use.

Before the inquiry, aviators and workers at the Bagby site held a demonstration outside the council offices in Northallerton.

Mark Golding, who has repaired planes at the airfield for 20 years, said he and numerous others feared losing their livelihoods if the council’s enforcement actions were not stopped.

More than 100 supporters and opponents of the airfield crowded into the council’s chamber as planning inspector George Mapson outlined Mr Scott’s 13 appeals, most of which centre on alleged changes of land use.

Mr Scott said the council’s enforcement actions were flawed because the land had a long-established use as an airfield with ancillary firms and that most of the developments on the site were immune from planning controls because of the length of time they had been there.

Mr Cannock, for the authority, said that while the council had not resolved to close the airfield, it wanted to restrict some of its activities, such as the use of a permanent runway, which he said were relatively recent developments.

Mr Cooper, representing Bagby and Thirkleby residents’ campaign group Action For Refusal, said the airfield was unlawful and the group wanted it closed.

He said: “We do not want a further mess being made of this, but Mr Scott has had every opportunity to apply for a certificate of lawful use. I believe this is the second inquiry out of five.”

Local Businesses

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree