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GAAC News
The General
Aviation Awareness Council (GAAC) has 73 GA associations and groups in
membership and is the only organisation that represents the entire spectrum
of UK GA, ranging from the ‘heavy’ end of the GA industry to the lighter
end of the sporting movement, including aeromodellers.
GAAC helps you
Alarge percentage of the work undertaken by the GAAC relates to planning
matters. Over the past ten years Anna Bloomfield has undertaken this work.
She is a Chartered Town Planner and is retained as the Council’s Planning
Co-ordinator. This work covers several key elements of the planning process,
as it affects GA.
1.
Development plan representations
The development plan includes Structure Plans, Local Plans and Regional
Plans. They form the background policy framework against which planning
applications and appeals are decided. It is therefore vital that GA is
given as much encouragement as possible in such plans, as appropriate
to the circumstances of the particular locality.
This is very time consuming work as the GAAC encompasses all the UK and
keeps track of these plans as they are regularly reviewed. Opportunities
to submit representations occur only rarely during a period of between
five to seven years, so it is important that full advantage is taken of
such chances. Well over 100 submissions were made in 2002 alone—each of
which ensures that GA is given full consideration in the relevant plan.
With each passing year, more and more new policies are being incorporated
in plans. This is of great and lasting benefit to the future of GA as
firm foundations are being built.
2.
Representations to Central Government
Representations are submitted regarding consultations relevant to GA interests.
Again, the GAAC name is now recognised in Government circles as being
the one body which represents all UK GA interests. As an example of this
work, the Government recently consulted on possible removal of temporary
use rights (which many small flying site operators currently enjoy). A
campaign of strenuous resistance was subsequently successful and these
rights remain intact.
3.
Promoting GAAC
This is most commonly undertaken through articles in the planning and
aviation press, but occasional radio or television interviews are also
used to promote the importance of GA. The planning press is also monitored
weekly for GA related items of importance with follow-ups where necessary.
4.
Maintaining a database of GA-related appeal decisions
This relates primarily to England and Wales although decisions from all
the UK would be welcomed. The flow of decisions has been slow of late,
possibly because fewer appeals are being heard, possibly because the GAAC
is not being kept informed. If you know of a case, please send details
to 50a, Cambridge Street. The more information, the better, as it may
help someone else in a similar situation.
5.
Advice on legal issues relating to planning
While site-specific cases are not normally the province of the GAAC, some
raise complex and interesting legal issues, which can be of wider benefit
to others. Members are advised of these where they are not prejudicial
to a particular site in particular, or GA in general.
6.
Publications
Specialist advice is produced in the form of detailed guidance for those
wishing to make a GA-related planning application, facing enforcement
action or the prospect of an appeal. Such advice is valuable in helping
to
avoid many of the pitfalls in the planning system. Please refer to the
other item on this page. Free fact sheets have also been produced on a
wide range of planning related topics.
Tips for planning applications
Are you currently, or likely to become, involved with your Local Authority
planners in any way regarding your flying site? If so, have you ever wondered
about answers to the following questions:
What issues do I need to consider before establishing a new flying
site?
How can I overcome problems regarding my existing site?
Do I actually need planning permission?
How can I make the best possible case for my planning application or appeal?
Should I bother to appeal?
What’s the best type of appeal to use in my case?
What are the warning signs that enforcement action is imminent?
How can I avoid enforcement action?
The answers to these, and many more, questions can all be found in the
GAAC’s latest publication Flying sites—Planning applications, appeals
and enforcement action. This is a revised and updated version of previous
publications. It has been written in non-technical language with the lay
person in mind. The document takes the reader step-by-step through the
planning process, not only where planning applications are concerned but
also appeals and enforcement action. It explains the process and gives
helpful hints about how to make the best case and, perhaps just as importantly,
when to know you should stop fighting a losing battle. Its author, the
GAAC’s Planning Co-ordinator, Anna Bloomfield, is a chartered town planner
with extensive knowledge of the planning system.
The publication contains a wealth of advice, which would be worth many
hundreds of pounds if obtained through a planning consultant or other
professional. It therefore represents exceptional value at only £20,
and just £10 to GAAC subscribers. It has been heavily subsidised
in order to assist as many as possible to further the GAAC’s aims of promoting
and protecting GA in the UK. Copies can be obtained by sending a cheque
for the appropriate amount to the GAAC offices at 50A, Cambridge Street,
London, SW1V 4QQ, making it clear that you require a copy of this advice.—Anna
Bloomfield.
GAAC
February 2003 GAAC
British Light Aviation Centre
50a Cambridge Street
LONDON
SW1V 4QQ
25 October 2000
Press Inquiries to:: 020 7834 5631
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