Primarily for general aviation discussion, but other aviation topics are also welcome.
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By ChampChump
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1841977
The timing of this isn't quite as planned, but since it is in the local news, it seems to be foolish to wait longer.

After months of planning, the documents have been submitted, the fee paid and the reference number known. The only thing we await is the validation by the council to make the planning application live for comment. At present, only the Screening Option documents are visible and far from comprehensive.

There is a good deal to read in the full application and you are urged to do so as soon as you are able, but briefly:

What? 750 grass runway, with hangarage for up to twenty light aircraft.
Where? Little Mongeham, near Deal, Kent.
What else?

Charging for electric aeroplanes (and cars),
Glamping pods (and ebikes..to rent at that part) on the same farm.
The greenest credentials that can be achieved in the airfield's creation.
Helipad for emergency services.
Bikes to borrow, free, for visiting pilots.
Convenience for cross-Channel hopping, if and when allowed.
Good pub in very easy walking distance.

The aim is to encourage people into the area, which is rich with history, flora and fauna, walking and cycling trails, engage fully with the community with regard to youth organisations, charity support and all the good things I don't need to spell out to you.

The word is out locally and there is a substantial protest being mounted, based on little more than limited information and a great deal of assumption. Already we have learned that there is a cross runway (no), a footpath will be moved (an additional (permissive) footpath is planned even though the existing one is not a problem), we will all be on 3º glideslopes and 'greenwashing'. For starters.

This is where we want to be able to send you:

https://www.dover.gov.uk/Planning/Plann ... tions.aspx

with the reference 21/00626

As soon as it works, you will be told.

There has been practical support from various places that have kept enthusiasm high and the reports flowing, but however much is supplied in mitigations, proposals and supporting evidence, the decision will be up to the local planning committee.

It would be good to say this is the first new airfield for thirty years and that the default thinking of 'No' can be changed to 'Why not: let's do something positive'.
Last edited by ChampChump on Fri Apr 23, 2021 10:37 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Shoestring Flyer, mick w, Dave W and 30 others liked this
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By nallen
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1841980
The very best of luck -- really hope it comes off for you. (Maybe worth having a chat with the Hinderclay Meadows folk? They went through the airfield planning process relatively recently.)
T6Harvard, ChampChump liked this
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By Gordon Freeman
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1841985
Good luck. It would be a great achievement, and it's only 30 minutes flying for me. If only planning authorities could be enlightened that airfields are assets for business and leisure and should be protected/encouraged. As for the environment, all the grass airfields I visit are teeming with insects and wildlife, especially birds. Clearly they all like airfields as well.
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By ChampChump
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1842075
DeltaCharlie, please can you point to where it says that? It was still 'not found' (ie awaiting validation) when I looked a minute ago. They've still Error 400 codes everywhere, which doesn't help.
Last edited by ChampChump on Thu Apr 22, 2021 10:44 am, edited 1 time in total.
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By ChampChump
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1842083
As said in the O.P., we are waiting for it to go live. The intention was to hold off with this thread until it is viewable, but events hereabouts overtook us. I was told yesterday it could be a few days after submission and we hope it will be findable very soon.

'Little Mongeham' in the search brings up the Screening Option documents but that isn't the application.

Chocks Go Away is here: https://www.chocksgoaway.com/forum
Last edited by ChampChump on Thu Apr 22, 2021 10:45 am, edited 1 time in total.
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