Residents urged to have their say on future of Wellesbourne Airfield - The Stratford Observer

Residents urged to have their say on future of Wellesbourne Airfield

Stratford Editorial 5th Apr, 2016 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

RESIDENTS are being encouraged to have their say on the future of Wellesbourne Airfield.

Stratford District Council is in the process of trying to get its Core Strategy rubber-stamped and the key planning document, which outlines where, when and how many houses will be built in the district by 2031, underwent a second public examination in January.

A number of modifications have been made to the document and final a six week public consultation period began recently giving people the opportunity to make their thoughts known.

The future of Wellesbourne Airfield was thrown into question after it was announced businesses at the airfield had received eviction notices late last year.




Since then, the district council has been looking at ways to secure the future of the airfield and the businesses based there, which include flying schools, an aircraft maintenance business, a café and the popular Wellesbourne Market.

In June 2015 the council pledged to retain and support the enhancement of the established flying functions and aviation-related facilities at the site in its Core Strategy.


And government planning inspector, Pete Drew has provisionally indicated he supports the council’s wish to do this.

Speaking about the issue, Coun Saint said: “If confirmed, the provisional view from the planning inspector is a really positive step for those using Wellesbourne Airfield – it represents the position the council has been keen to establish from the outset.

“Wellesbourne Airfield is an important asset and 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.”

Enterprise spokesman, Coun Dave Riches added: “General aviation is important to the economy – it is a source of tourism and there are also many businesses employing many people as a direct result of the aviation facilities at Wellesbourne.

“Airfields should be supported by local government as they are an important part of the social and economic landscape and stopping by the café or museum during the summer will help demonstrate this.”

The consultation runs until Thursday May 12 when all comments will be forwarded to the inspector, who will take them into account as he completes his final report on the Core Strategy.

Representations can be made online, by downloading a form and emailing [email protected], by posting a form to FREEPOST RSLH – ZYKJ – TYAZ, Stratford DC, PO BOX 5341, Stratford, CV37 1LE.

They can also be made at the council offices on Church Street with forms available on request.

The council is aiming to have the document formally rubber-stamped by the end of July.

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