Previously RAF Northweald, This Grand Battle of Britain Air Station has stood for many decades. still today providing active resource for national aviation in a positive contribution to society. Sadly this airfield also is under threat to the campaign of heavy housing development by the current govornment ministers.

below is a pre written statement which can be sent to the relevant local and national leaders enclosed in the links below.

Statement of Arguments against re-development

Of North Weald Airfield for housing

·  The planned development Of Former Battle of Britain Historic Airfield North Weald would mean the loss of an important, culturally historic and unique facility for aviation and leisure users in this part of the country.

·  North Weald Airfield has a massive Cultural and historic value for Britain, having been established in 1916 to defend London against attack from the air, North Weald served as a front line fighter station during the Battle of Britain and beyond.  North Weald Airfield remains largely unchanged since the 1940’s and should serve as a lasting educational tool for historic and cultural value as well as a great memorial to over 200 people who gave their lives while serving, along with thousands of others who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving at other airfields in the South East, which have long since disappeared under housing developments. These are the last of a nearly extinct historic time capsule for Britain. Demolition is not to ‘responsibly’ be an option.

·  It would change the character of North Weald Bassett for existing residents beyond recognition. House Prices would suffer and economy may also therefore suffer due to low resale rate. Community would reduce in quality as this would therefore lose its English Village existence.

·  It would place a huge burden on the local infrastructure, despite some of the additional road and transport links planned. 

·  It would also mean the loss of an important breathing space between the village and the M11. This must be of particular importance as Road traffic calming is vital to save lives.

·  The huge increase in infrastructure required to support the planned housing development would have a seriously damaging impact on the local environment.

·  There is no other airfield in the region with such facilities and length of hard runway in the region available to General Aviation users. Vital Historic Aircraft restoration and ‘rescue’ societies are already dependant on North weald to offer them the already much needed and in demand facilities they require for this culturally valuable offering to British society.

·  The development is against the principles of Planning Policy Guidance No 13 (PPG 13), which limits development in and around existing aerodromes, which would be in conflict with existing operations at these airfields.

·  The part of the airfield, which is earmarked for housing, is Green Belt Land. Plans to re-designate it into Brownfield land is contradictory to recommendations PPG 3 Annex C Para 2. This document clearly outlines which curtilage which may be re-designated. To quote:

·  "..This does not mean that the whole area of the curtilage should therefore be redeveloped. For example, where the footprint of a building only occupies a proportion of a site of which the remainder is open land (such as at an airfield or a hospital) the whole site should not normally be developed to the boundary of the curtilage." 

·  Apart from its expanded use for many leisure activities, the airfield could also be further developed as an important transport facility for light aviation, both for leisure and business travel by air, if managed and developed for this purpose in the correct manner.

·  Light general aviation is now virtually excluded from the major airports in the region and due to other airfield closures; existing business airports cannot cope with the demand. This could cause legitimate concerns in the near future for local Airspace safety in regards to take off and landing procedures if there is a decline in localised airfields. North Weald however has the potential for investment to provide much needed GA and Business Aviation facilities. This is a low risk potential which shows great opportunities for the local council on a long term outlay

·  A major housing development as envisaged for North Weald Airfield could also take place spread over a number of smaller sites in the region, with less impact on existing communities and without the loss of such a valuable facility.  There is no shortage of low use, idle land available, even if not all of it is in the public domain.  The planners should consider more options making use of such land.

RAF COLTISHALL

Planned for demolition

RAF Coltishall is the last Battle of Britain Airfield to retire from RAF service. 

RAFHA is suggesting a transfer to General Aviation activities, but needs support from more organisations to make the impact. "can you help?" get in touch! info@rafha.co.uk

more information coming soon

DUXFORD (IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM)