Airfield redevelopment given green light

The redevelopment of an airfield in North Yorkshire which has been at the centre of long-running planning rows has been approved by councillors.

Permission has been granted to upgrade the facilities at Bagby Airfield, near Thirsk, to make it more suitable for private aircraft making international trips.

It comes after years of legal battles which have seen several public inquires, compensation paid to residents by the former Hambleton District Council, and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance moving its base from the site.

Under the plans approved on Thursday, existing hangars will be demolished and rebuilt, and a new museum hangar will be erected.

Accommodation for pilots and aircrew will also be created, while retrospective permission was granted for a new clubhouse and control tower.

Other improvements will include a charging point for electric aircraft and landscaping work.

The application was submitted by owner Martin Scott, who wants to change the airfield from one used by hobbyist aircraft and microlights to a higher quality facility for modern turbo-prop aircraft, which are quieter and have lower emissions.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, planning officer Craig Allison told councillors in a report: "The applicant advises that the transition is predicted on providing upgraded high-quality hangarage capable of accommodating the more modern aircraft safely and securely."

He said that facilities would be provided to accommodate UK Border Force inspections for inbound and outbound flights, upgraded taxiways and a safe and secure runway able to operate in all-weathers.

"The applicant sets out that the proposed transition will secure greater levels of income, supporting the future sustainability of the airfield," the report added.

It also said the changes would lead to fewer movements from the airfield and fewer aircraft circling over nearby houses.

The airfield has been subject to more than a decade of planning debates and complaints about noise from residents in the villages of Bagby and Thirkleby.

Alyson Baker, who represents the area on the council, said she hoped approval of the plans would mark a turning point.

"I welcome the fact that hopefully this will move the relationship, that has been not very good, forward."

The application was approved by members with six in favour and one abstention.

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