Issue - meetings

(Finance – Cllr. J Philip) -   Recommendation on the future of the North Weald Airfield (C-041-2022-23).

The Cabinet agreed the recommendation that North Weald Airfield remains an unlicensed aerodrome whilst developing the aviation operation by improving facilities, security, safety and attracting new business opportunities through the use of developable land.

The Finance Portfolio Holder introduced the report. It was noted that the North Weald Airfield Master Plan and the proposed development of the eastern side of the aerodrome will dictate a change to how aviation operations are performed due to the requirement to relocate the Control Tower Building (CTB) function, the likelihood of the need for a new entrance and alternative locations for operational buildings such as the Gatehouse and Fire Station.

These changes had therefore presented an opportunity to examine the potential for the Airfield to achieve Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) licensing and to develop aviation further.

The Council had therefore engaged with RPS Group Ltd and their subcontractor, Osprey Consulting Services Ltd, to investigate the likelihood of the aerodrome achieving CAA licensed status and to investigate its future development potential.

Despite not recommending licensing, the report identified some safety obstacles and requirements that should be considered by NWA as being best practice.

The second phase was conducted by RPS who investigated the development options whilst taking into account the conclusions of the Osprey report and the proposed development on the Eastern side of the Airfield.

The key elements being the relocation of the Control Tower Building (CTB) function that maximises the development land on the East of the aerodrome and the creation of an airside / landside boundary that would require operational and cultural changes to the way in which the Airfield is managed.

Decision:

The Cabinet agreed the recommendation that North Weald Airfield remains an unlicensed aerodrome whilst developing the aviation operation by improving facilities, security, safety and attracting new business opportunities through the use of developable land.

Reasons for Proposed Decision:

The reason for the recommendation was to allow the continuation of the aviation operation at North Weald Airfield, to maintain its heritage for future generations, to improve safety, security and to increase income generation potential.

Other Options for Action:

Incur major expenditure in upgrading the Airfield infrastructure and implementing fundamental changes to its business model and apply for a CAA license that would more than likely prove fruitless for various reasons.

Continue with on-going budget restricted improvements to safety and security.

Do nothing and accept the security and safety risks which may have insurance consequences.