You argue that the airfield would benefit a "tiny" number of people to the detriment of many. Consider that any installation, apart from a supermarket, directly benefits only a minority. But that isn't a reason not to build playgrounds, libraries, caravan parks, climbing walls, etc. We live in a society of individuals, of beautiful diversity, which means that we see different things and different people around us - we even get to try things we wouldn't normally do once in a while. This is why you should not oppose a few technical enthusiasts on the basis that there are only a few of them.
And as for the noise, you must do your research. Many light aircraft are very quiet (consider motor gliders for instance), and they fly considerably further from you then, say, a car on the road next to your house. You can indeed measure noise to back up the case.
Totally agree nespor. I hope it goes ahead as there is a real shortage of hangar space in the UK and flying as a hobby is dropping members. I hope to fly from here one day.
There seems to be a great deal of antipathy here towards flying for pleasure. It's unfortunate because flying is a legal and reasonable hobby with very little impact on the surroundings (the claims here about noise and pollution are simply wrong). The planning office is not going to reject the proposal just because you don't like it - and quite rightly so. We as a society should be guided by facts not fears.
Well said Paul, Unfortunately this Airfield is not in Nespar's back garden.
There are no motor gliders planned for Mongeham........there us a glider club at Waldershare 3 miles away. There is also an airstrip at Clipgate, 10 miles away. So plenty of opportunity to visit established airfields in the area, without the need to build more. Several of the planes planned for Mongeham are not the quiet planes that keep being referred to. They are old noisy polluting planes used for the enjoyment of the person piloting them. They are not a sustainable form of transport, they do not transport goods......just take off......fly around polluting the atmosphere with noise and fumes, and then land.
If they are so quiet, why are the developers afraid to provide a proper noise assessment for the airstrip....???
Many of these diversities that you mention benefit a very large number of people whilst causing little or no interference with the lives of people living in a peaceful part of the countryside
Hello @nespor and thank you for your comment. I think it is because the residents, businesses and all those who are concerned for the future of our environment have considered the options, including the 'diversity' that you refer to, that there has been this ground swell of opposition. The reality simply doesn't match the claims made by the applicants. We would also perhaps like to add that playgrounds and libraries are not generally regarded as minority interests.