|
|
|
 |
|
| Rochester |
|
The
history of Rochester Airport begins in 1933 when the local council purchased the land for
use as a municipal airport. Throughout its life it has been used variously for aircraft
production, military training, and civilian operations. In 1979 the lease reverted to the
council, and management of the airport was taken over by Marconi and the site retained as
an airfield.
In 1998 the council and Marconi began the process of reviewing opportunities for the site
and briefed a planning consultant to maximise the earnings potential of the site. Although
5 options were considered that retained an airport the sixth option was chosen. It was
concluded by the Medway Council and Marconi Avionics Study Team that "...the only
realistic option to create a high quality development of suitable critical mass able to
meet economic and investor's aspirations within a quality environment would be through
complete redevelopment and redesign of the airfield site." [Extract from the
Joint Meeting of Policy and Resources Committee and Economic Development and Europe
Committee - 9th September 1999).
This option, the closure of the airfield and building of a 'Science and Technology Park'
plus a housing estate, is currently in the process of being enshrined as policy by the
Medway Council Local Plan. This is contrary to advice given in Planning Policy Guidelines
(PPG13) that "...authorities should take account of the contribution of this
General Aviation (GA) to local and regional economies." Objections to this plan,
which is in draft stages, have been over-ruled and Medway Council continues to push for
the closure of the airfield. The public inquiry into this plan began in September and is
expected to last several months. Airport issues are scheduled to be aired in April 2001
unless the planning inspector decides beforehand that the whole of the plan should be
withdrawn.
On 14th January 2000 Rochester Airport PLC took over the running of Rochester Airport for
the next 4 years. This company, created by aviation enthusiasts heavily involved in the
fight to oppose Medway Council's plans, is dedicated to preserving the airport for the
community, its children and grandchildren.
Throughout the negotiations to have the lease assigned, the council has demonstrated its
determination that the airport should ultimately be closed, and nothing in the lease
should be allowed to prevent that.
As a result, Rochester currently lives on, but only to fight another day. Rochester
Airport PLC continues to stand side by side with local residents, the PFA, AOPA, and the
Council for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE), in opposition to the council's plans.
Costs to defend the airfield at the local plan inquiry are expected to be in excess of
£30,000 with fund raising events being held throughout the year to raise this amount. The
enormous costs to the local council, on the other hand, are being borne by the Medway
community. |
|
 |
Local
council determined to close airfield, contrary to PPG13 guidance on contribution of GA to
local economy
Local plan policy seeks
redevelopment of airfield into science park and housing estate
Airfield defence based on opposing
local plan in public inquiries
Airfield enjoys the support of the
local community
Rochester Airport PLC running the
airport until 2004
Costs of defending the airfield
estimated at £30,000.
Links:-
 Rochester Web Site
Planning Info
Elsewhere on A4A:-
ALERT: Council Poll
NEWS 09/03/01:
Local Plan Inquiry
Delay
NEWS 22/03/01:
Council
Poll Update
NEWS 26/04/01:
Local
Plan inquiry to
re-open
Sept 2001
NEWS 26/03/02:
Local
Plan inquiry
report
supports
retaining
airfield
NEWS 04/07/02:
Council
to be
advised
to accept
recommendations
to
retain
airfield
Return to
Campaign Index |
