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Fact Sheets from the General Aviation Awareness Council Fact Sheet 3 - The Structure Plan - How to write to your Planning Authority |
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Fact Sheets from the General Aviation Awareness Council Fact Sheet 3 - The Structure Plan - How to write to your Planning Authority |
The Structure Plan - How to write to your Planning Authority
What are Structure Plans?
Each part of the UK is covered by a Plan which guides development in that area. For counties and regions the plans are often called Structure Plans but, just to confuse the issue, they can sometimes be called Unitary Development Plans or Regional Plans.
Why are they important to General Aviation (GA) interests?
The Plan, whatever it is called, is vital when planning applications and appeals are being considered and even when Councils are thinking about taking enforcement action. This affects all interests, GA included. It is important that a fairly worded policy is included in the Plan so that the right decisions can be made, especially when you consider that the Plan has a “shelf-life” of at least five years.
What is the scope of a Structure Plan?
As the plan covers a wide area, it will only focus on key issues and larger sites within Counties or Regions. Do not expect specific reference to the smaller aerodromes (which may be covered by a Local Plan). However, as the plan should cover broad principles, some reference to aviation in general is important.
Is there a problem at present?
Yes; although matters are improving thanks to long term work undertaken by the GAAC. Much more remains to be done. Surveys carried out by the GAAC have shown that many Structure Plans fail to even acknowledge GA. Of those that do make reference to aviation, many policies dwell on its negative aspects (such as noise) and fail to recognise its good points.
Why does this matter? It’s a long way from flying!
It matters a great deal. If a poorly worded policy (or none at all) is in place, the guidance given to the next tier down in local government (usually a District or Borough Council) is flawed. This can only have an adverse effect on decision making. Have you ever wondered why some sites are closed on Sunday afternoons (which should be their busiest times), why there are unreasonable movement restrictions on others or, worse, a site is suddenly no longer in existence? If so, you are likely to have encountered the planning system at work. For example, the Local Planning Authority – not the Civil Aviation Authority – determines when a flying site may operate and how many movements are permitted.
How can I help?
You can help the GAAC – and yourself and your flying colleagues - by finding out what is happening in your area. Telephone or visit the County/Regional Council and speak to a planner dealing with the Structure Plan. Useful questions to ask are:
What can I do now?
If an opportunity arises for you to make your views known on the Plan in your area, do not delay. Ask for the appropriate form upon which you can submit comments. How you respond will largely depend upon what you find in the document. If there is nothing, or it is negative, try and present a positive view of GA. Use some of the points made in one, or all, of the GAAC leaflets*. You do not need to write a lot – the GAAC welcomes any support. At present GAAC views tend to be the only ones received on aviation and it would be nice to have some back-up! Try and persuade other interested parties to write too. After all, their – and your - flying futures may be at stake.
* “Why General Aviation?”, “Your Local Aerodrome”, “More Considerate Flying”, “How Green is Your Airfield?” and other Fact Sheets in this series, are all available from the GAAC office or website.
Can you suggest a good policy to put to the Council?
Yes, we can. Many Authorities welcome suggestions. The GAAC suggest a draft policy which is copied below. You can use this if appropriate but bear in mind some words may need to be altered to meet the circumstances of the case.
“The establishment of flying sites for all types of aviation activity, or changes to operations at existing sites, will be considered on their merits having regard to the following:
i) the economic and employment advantages arising. ii) the broadening of the range of recreation provision available within the County/Region. iii) The likely impact upon residential and other noise sensitive properties in the immediate vicinity (i.e. under flight paths and circuits), by virtue of noise and disturbance. iv) The benefits to services such as the public utilities. v) The site’s role in the overall transport infrastructure of the County/Region, having regard to sustainable development issues. vi) Visual impact. vii) The impact on nature conservation interests.
Having regard to Government advice, in PPG13 and PPG24 in particular, restrictions upon the number, type and times of movements would be the subject of conditions attached to any grant of permission as required in the specific circumstances of the case.”
Is timing important?
Yes, it is critical. The planning process is very slow, with only a few weeks at certain times when comments can be made on new Draft Plans (they could be called Consultation or Deposit Drafts – both are important). The deadlines for comments are strictly adhered to, so do not expect a few days “grace”.
On behalf of the GAAC, thank you for taking the time and trouble to read this leaflet. I hope you will feel able to help.
Anna Bloomfield BA(Hons) MRTPI, Planning Co-ordinator January 2003 |
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General Aviation Awareness Council RAeS House, 4 Hamilton Place, London W1J 7BQ. Tel: +44 (0)20 7670 4501
This is one of a series of Fact Sheets available from the GAAC. For further information please contact the above address. |
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