"...will not encourage the development of facilities for recreational flying in the district."

The public consultation phase is expected in Sept/Oct and provides an opportunity to press for this to be amended to a more balanced policy which does not arbitrarily rule out recreational facilities.

The current Telford and Wrekin Local Plan for the period to 2006 can be viewed on line and is linked to from the Local Plan web page. The full document linked to on that page is in adobe acrobat format. Be warned it is 5Mb and for those with patience, unmetered internet access and/or fast internet links the relevant policy is T11 with explanatory text in sections 7.3.37-38 on pages 117-118.

Also relevant is the Shropshire County Council draft structure plan linked to from the Joint Structure Plan web page. This is a slightly more palatable download at 1.2Mb with Air Transport policy being p42 with explanatory text in section 11.18 on pages 84-85.

In writing you might like to consider the following...

Local Plans should be drafted within the context of the County Structure Plan. In this instance the current Local Plan is at odds with the draft Structure Plan which does not make any distinction between recreational and business aviation. In defining the criteria against which proposals for airfield facilities will be assessed it states...
"Proposals for the recreational (A4A emphasis) or business use by light aircraft of existing or proposed airfields will be assessed..."

Much of the environmental concern relating to light aircraft of course relates to noise. This issue was debated in the House of Commons last summer, in which it was stated by the Minister for Transport that...

"We recognise the legitimate right of general aviation pilots to fly, but ... that right should always be balanced with the interests of the communities that are disturbed by aerodrome activities."

and

"General aviation is an activity that is not only legitimate, but important. It would be wrong to conceive of it as a matter purely of weekend leisure flying, although that has its place."

It is also relevant to know that in deciding in favour of Clutton Hill airstrip in 2000 the Planning Inspector based his decision in part on the basis that noise generated by light aircraft would be of sufficiently brief duration and of sufficient infrequency (based on a maximum 16 movements per day) as to not have an unacceptable impact on local inhabitants.

The GAAC suggests a draft policy that Councils might consider of...

"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:

1. The economic and employment advantages arising.
2. The broadening of the range of recreation provision available within the County/Region.
3. 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.
4. The benefits to services such as the public utilities.
5. The site's role in the overall transport infrastructure of the County/Region, having regard to sustainable development issues.
6. Visual impact.

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 and in negotiation with the operator, having regard to the economic viability of the site."

The most effective course of action would be in response to the public consultation exercise which is anticipated for Sept/Oct. However there is some value in writing in support of GA generally, in positive terms, now...

Area Planning Officer
Telford & Wrekin Council
Darby House
P.O. Box 212
Lawn Central
Telford
Shropshire
TF3 4LB

Letters are most effective when written in your own words and express support for GA in positive terms.