Primarily for general aviation discussion, but other aviation topics are also welcome.
#1518321
In 2016 Surrey Heath Borough Council submitted to the Homes and Communities Agency an Expression of Interest for a Garden Village bid at Fairoaks Airport.

Previously this information was classed as ‘exempt’, ie not made public, as the landowners had not made their intentions for the site public.

As the landowners have now made their decision public, including holding a meeting with Chobham Parish Council, and the planned Community Planning Weekend for the public on 24 and 25 February, the Council is now able to publish the Expression of Interest and covering letter relating to the Garden Village submission.


So it appears Fairoaks Garden Village was initiated by the council. That will make it much easier to get the planning permission.
#1518340
Another quote from that link that Stuart posted above.
This time from p10 of the Expression of Interest application:
Why is Fairoaks suitable for
re-development?

The site owners have advised that the
existing airfield aviation operations at
Fairoaks Airport are loss-making, in decline
and unsustainable with the inability to
increase revenue. The closure of the
airport and cessation of aviation activities
has been a driver behind the owners
exploring development opportunities at
the airport. Analysis undertaken by York
Aviation has assisted in the understanding
of the economic position of the airport
and impact of its closure on the aviationrelated
business; the loss of the airport
would not undermine or make unviable the
network of general and business aviation
aerodromes in the surrounding region
or across the UK. Economic analysis
will continue as part of developing the
Garden Village proposals, which will seek
to protect existing viable businesses and
replicate and enhance the employment
offering by introducing non-aviation related
businesses as part of the proposals.
#1518347
and another:
Public sector and
brownfield land
The site currently does not contain public
sector land although there is a commitment
from the landowners to explore the potential
for some public ownership which could be
managed to deliver public good for Fairoaks
and wider community. The extent of any
public ownership would be established as
part of negotiations with the land owners
and other partners.
Fairoaks includes areas of brownfield land
which would be included in the village
settlement area.


As commented elsewhere, they have conveniently forgotten that airfields were supposed to be greenbelt not brownfield.
#1518360
Jetblu wrote:I have now read that submission ^^^^. It has been carefully thought and is also extremely well presented.

My advice is to get Fairoaks in your logbook this summer if you haven't already.


It is looking like a done deal, somehow bypassing the delays of going through the Local Plan, and about the only way to stop it would be massive opposition from the local people (perhaps suggesting voting out the councillors at the next elections to challenge their commitment to a garden village).
#1518389
GAFlyer4Fun wrote:Another quote from that link that Stuart posted above.
This time from p10 of the Expression of Interest application:
... Analysis undertaken by York
Aviation has assisted in the understanding
of the economic position of the airport
and impact of its closure on the aviationrelated
business; the loss of the airport
would not undermine or make unviable the
network of general and business aviation
aerodromes in the surrounding region
or across the UK....


hmm.. have we heard of analyses by York Aviation supporting airfield closures elsewhere ? :roll: