Dunsfold Park appeal dismissed
The wait to find out the outcome of a planning appeal into whether the Rutland Group can legally use Dunsfold Park for unlimited and unrestricted aviation activity is finally over.
Published Tuesday, 10 April 2012
In a case that was described by the Inspector as being about 'legal issues and not planning merits', Waverley employed top counsel to present its case and to fight the Rutland Group's appeal for restrictions on aircraft movements, flight times and aircraft to be lifted.
At a several day long inquiry in February, the planning inspector heard representations from Waverley Borough Council, Dunsfold Park and other interested parties. After considering the evidence, the planning inspector has dismissed the Rutland Group's appeal.
Speaking about the decision, Cllr Robert Knowles, Leader of the Council says: "This is an excellent result. It has always been our view that aviation activity at Dunsfold Park should be controlled and restricted. The planning inspector's decision is a clear vindication of that view and has been further endorsed by him describing our decision to reject the original request for a certificate of lawful use as 'well founded'."
Cllr Knowles says: "We have always stood by our decision, so much so that in October 2011 we agreed to put aside a £65,000 fighting fund. Although the planning inspector made it clear that in reaching his decision he was not considering the impact on the surrounding population, for the people who live in the area this has been money well spent by the Council."
More information
Find out more about Dunsfold Park - Certificate of Lawfulness s191.
