ABOUT US

THE PUBLIC INQUIRIES

Also in 1997 two enforcement notices from the Local Council concerned about the planning status of the Airfield were served. This resulted in a Public Inquiry in 1998 with the Inspectors decision the following year. As a consequence, the decision had a devastating effect on the airfield's business. The flights were reduced to an uneconomically viable number, with two flying Clubs being relocated and eleven staff loosing their employment.

An Appeal that year was upheld in the High Court and a Second Public Inquiry held in 2000 at which the Inspector confirmed that the airfield use was lawful and therefore, cannot be enforced against. However, understanding the concerns about the airfields activity within the local area, the airfield entered into a voluntary Section 106 Agreement with the Local Council. From this agreement the Elmsett Liaison Committee was formed by Elmsett Airfield to provide a forum for discussion and settlement of problems concerning aircraft movements in a spirit of co-operation. The voluntary noise abatement procedure was also formulated and is recommended to pilots to minimise flying impact on the local community. The NAP details are available for pilots here. From this agreement the restriction on aircraft take offs, also requires that pilot's visiting by air are strictly PPR to enable monitoring of aircraft movements.

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