Welcome for airfields pledge

General aviation supporters in Parliament have welcomed a pledge from housing, communities and local government secretary Sajid Javid to review planning policies relating to airfields.

In a letter to attorney general and MP for Kenilworth and Southam Jeremy Wright, the country’s top legal officer, Javid supports a previous commitment made in January to the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on general aviation.

He notes that the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the government’s Aviation Policy Framework and the General Aviation Strategy “acknowledge the significant contribution that aviation makes to economic growth”, adding: “Local plans should take account of the role of airfields in meeting business, leisure, training and emergency service needs.”

APPG chairman Grant Shapps said: “The group is very pleased to see Mr Javid reaffirm his commitment to review planning policy relating to airfields, to ensure it is meeting the needs of the local community and properly reflecting the contribution general aviation makes to economic growth.

“I know the parliamentary members of the group are keen to see the outcome of this review, and we will work closely with Mr Javid’s department and the Department for Transport to ensure the balance is right for this critical sector and the £60.6bn aviation economy.”

www.generalaviationappg.uk

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