Tuesday 17 February 2009
Penzance Town Council Meeting
On Monday 9th February, at a full meeting, Penzance Town Council discussed the relocation of BIH helicopters to Land's End. All but one, agreed to the proposition that they should object and oppose the move on environmental and commercial grounds. We are delighted to have their support. A full report of the Penzance Town Council meeting can be found at ThisIsCornwall
Friday 13 February 2009
Letter to Andrew England
Letter to Andrew England, Sustainable Development and Design Manager, PDC
Mr A J England
Sustainable Development and Design Manager
Penwith District Council
St Clare
Penzance
TR18 3QW
12 February 2009
Dear Mr England
Re - Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for a Proposed use or development by Westward Airways for runway lighting.
The CAA has confirmed our legal advice, that Land's End Aerodrome is not a relevant airport under the Airport's Act 1986. If our understanding is correct, this means that the airport does not benefit from general permitted development rights.
Westward Airways state in their application that they wish to proceed with their installation under General Permitted Development Order 1995-part 18, class B. In the light of the information above, please advise us whether Penwith District Council intend to grant this application?
We appreciate your help.
Yours sincerely
Caroline Passingham, Liaison Officer
CC Andrew George MP, Kevin Lavery CCC, Jim McKenna PDC
Mr A J England
Sustainable Development and Design Manager
Penwith District Council
St Clare
Penzance
TR18 3QW
12 February 2009
Dear Mr England
Re - Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for a Proposed use or development by Westward Airways for runway lighting.
The CAA has confirmed our legal advice, that Land's End Aerodrome is not a relevant airport under the Airport's Act 1986. If our understanding is correct, this means that the airport does not benefit from general permitted development rights.
Westward Airways state in their application that they wish to proceed with their installation under General Permitted Development Order 1995-part 18, class B. In the light of the information above, please advise us whether Penwith District Council intend to grant this application?
We appreciate your help.
Yours sincerely
Caroline Passingham, Liaison Officer
CC Andrew George MP, Kevin Lavery CCC, Jim McKenna PDC
Wednesday 11 February 2009
Cornishman Letter from LEAAG
Letter from LEAAG to Cornishman, 11 February 2009
On Feb 4th Tony Jones from BIH and Geoff Marsden from the Isles of Scilly Steamship Co. were invited by Jim McKenna Chief Executive, to answer questions before Penwith District Councils' Social Economic and Environment Committee. This was conducted in closed session, (no-one from the public could attend.)
Why couldn't any sensitive issues have been dealt with first and then the meeting opened up to all? In the public speaking section of the meeting The Land's End Aerodrome Action Group were allowed three minutes to speak, and the ruling was strictly adhered to. Is this a sparkling example of democracy at work?
Are surprise announcements and secret sessions part of BIH's strategy to forge ahead with their relocation? Surely they owe it to the community to offer their long term plans for debate and questioning by all the local people affected?
And while all this is happening a Certificate of Lawful Development for runway lighting, submitted by Westward Airways, is proceeding before the council. PDC have a duty to establish its lawfulness and whether Land's End aerodrome is classed as a relevant airport under the Airport Act 1986. If it is not, we understand that most rights for general permitted developments cannot be granted. Unlike normal planning applications, if legality is established, the certificate can proceed unopposed without going through the usual planning procedures.
We hope that our councillors will decide that this application, affecting one of Cornwall's most beautiful places, needs consideration at a full planning meeting. In 1997, the Government Office for the South West informed PDC that an environmental statement was required before planning for runway lighting could be allowed at Land's End Aerodrome. Will councillors adhere to the integrity of this former ruling?
We hope that the council consider this application within the context of BIH's and Westward Airways long term plans for Land's End Aerodrome. But do they know what they are?
We hope that this will not become an example of what some call, planning by 'gradual creep,' where these certificates can, when added together, culminate in very substantial airport expansion because councils have not stopped them.
Tony Jones has said that if BIH don’t relocate to Land's End they will deploy their helicopters elsewhere. Whatever they do, the citizens of Penwith deserve a long term thriving tourist industry that operates within sustainable development guidelines, not a short term solution, that damages a sensitive environment and turns potential visitors away from the area.
On Feb 4th Tony Jones from BIH and Geoff Marsden from the Isles of Scilly Steamship Co. were invited by Jim McKenna Chief Executive, to answer questions before Penwith District Councils' Social Economic and Environment Committee. This was conducted in closed session, (no-one from the public could attend.)
Why couldn't any sensitive issues have been dealt with first and then the meeting opened up to all? In the public speaking section of the meeting The Land's End Aerodrome Action Group were allowed three minutes to speak, and the ruling was strictly adhered to. Is this a sparkling example of democracy at work?
Are surprise announcements and secret sessions part of BIH's strategy to forge ahead with their relocation? Surely they owe it to the community to offer their long term plans for debate and questioning by all the local people affected?
And while all this is happening a Certificate of Lawful Development for runway lighting, submitted by Westward Airways, is proceeding before the council. PDC have a duty to establish its lawfulness and whether Land's End aerodrome is classed as a relevant airport under the Airport Act 1986. If it is not, we understand that most rights for general permitted developments cannot be granted. Unlike normal planning applications, if legality is established, the certificate can proceed unopposed without going through the usual planning procedures.
We hope that our councillors will decide that this application, affecting one of Cornwall's most beautiful places, needs consideration at a full planning meeting. In 1997, the Government Office for the South West informed PDC that an environmental statement was required before planning for runway lighting could be allowed at Land's End Aerodrome. Will councillors adhere to the integrity of this former ruling?
We hope that the council consider this application within the context of BIH's and Westward Airways long term plans for Land's End Aerodrome. But do they know what they are?
We hope that this will not become an example of what some call, planning by 'gradual creep,' where these certificates can, when added together, culminate in very substantial airport expansion because councils have not stopped them.
Tony Jones has said that if BIH don’t relocate to Land's End they will deploy their helicopters elsewhere. Whatever they do, the citizens of Penwith deserve a long term thriving tourist industry that operates within sustainable development guidelines, not a short term solution, that damages a sensitive environment and turns potential visitors away from the area.
Saturday 7 February 2009
LEAAG Presentation to LEAP
LEAAG will be giving a presentation to Land's End Area Accommodation Providers (LEAP) at St.Just W.I. Hall on Thursday February 12th at 12.15 pm. We hope to see some of our supporters there.
Wednesday 4 February 2009
Presentation Document to PDC
Presentation Document to Penwith District Council, 4 February 2009
We are against the relocation of British International Helicopters to Land’s End Aerodrome and believe that our rationale is in harmony with your policies in every respect.
PDC's policies for sustainable tourism state that the council will (I quote) "encourage and assist tourism in a manner which -
DOES THE RELOCATION ACHIEVE A PROFITABLE PROSPEROUS INDUSTRY?
DOES IT WELCOME, INVOLVE AND SATISFY VISITORS?
At all times, a company must play to and maximise its strengths and minimise its weaknesses. Survival depends on identifying and profitably satisfying the customer's needs. The unique selling points that BIH have at present over their competitors are:
Added to this there is already a perfectly adequate, cheaper, quicker, more fuel efficient, quieter and statistically safer fixed wing service operating from the same location.
All these factors determine a dwindling business for BIH, address none of their weaknesses and will inevitably hasten their demise.
It seems that they are relocating to release the capital locked in their existing heliport site. If by doing this they damage West Penwith's long term tourist economy, and discourage people from visiting Penwith and the Isles of Scilly, it is nothing short of shameful.
Four of the largest campsites in West Penwith lie close to the aerodrome, along with rental accommodation and other small businesses. Our members are very concerned that the noise and pollution of helicopters landing and taking off at close proximity, must discourage visitors. Businesses on the Isles of Scilly consider that the extra journey their visitors are now committed to, detracts from a pleasurable holiday experience.
DOES THE RELOCATION ENGAGE AND BENEFIT LOCAL COMMUNITIES?
The roads to Land's End support a rural community of small villages and hamlets, twisting and winding through beautiful landscape. In the Summer they are busy with locals' cars, farm vehicles, bicycles, horses and ponies. Adding even greater visitor traffic is not sustainable growth, but the imposition of a dangerous burden that will change the nature of local villages, challenge their rural way of life and cause frustrating traffic jams for everyone.
According to BIH's own statistics they employ over 80 people and carry an average of about 300 passengers a day. A conservative estimate informs us that in terms of road traffic this will mean 200 round trips a day; 400 journeys of ten miles; 4000 miles per day, and over 1.5 million miles per year. At 30 mpg that will burn over 50,000 gallons of fuel. Quite rightly, county and district policies encourage business to be located close to population centres specifically to avoid this situation.
Helicopters generate up to three times the noise of the fixed wing aircraft. BIH's timetable reveals that a helicopter will take off and land approximately every fifteen minutes in high season. This will subject local people to intolerable noise and pollution, continuously, throughout the day.
The aerodrome is surrounded by farms, moors and downs all hosting farm animals, horses, ponies and wild creatures. It is well documented how the noise and motion from helicopters terrify them and there have been thousands of accidents.
DOES THE RELOCATION PROTECT AND ENHANCE THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT?
The beauty of the area, is in our view unequalled and its greatest asset. Abutting and almost abutting the aerodrome are stunning cliffs, moors, downs, sand dunes, sheltered valleys, ancient field systems, neolithic remains, footpaths, streams, small water falls, tin mining sites and holy wells, all set against the wonderful Atlantic Ocean. Unusual birds, insects and plants thrive in the different habitats. Two of the best surfing beaches in the country along with the coast path add to the wonderfully diverse richness any visitor experiences. They return year after year because they enjoy the fresh air, peacefulness, wildlife, beaches, and special quality of light that they, along with the locals, love.
Imagine their dismay when encountering repeated helicopter clatter resounding from the cliffs and through the valleys.
To accommodate the number of passengers and staff that would be using the aerodrome, a car park offering 800 additional spaces would seem a reasonable estimate. Acres of parked cars will impinge on the vistas enjoyed from Carn Bosavern, Chapel Carn Brea, Bartinney Downs, the ancient footpaths to Carn Euny and all the surrounding high ground.
How long will it be before holiday makers choose other valleys, beaches, sections of coast path to visit, that are not blighted by car parks, noisy aircraft, pollution and congested roads?
And to conclude, for now, BIH are before you in closed session because they qualify for part 1 of schedule12 A. This does not surprise us, as BIH have, in our view, employed surprise, speed and secrecy as key strategies to drive along their plans, leaving councillors and local people confused and ill informed. What is desperately needed is a public meeting where BIH set out their long term plans for the service, offering them for debate and questioning by all the local people affected, because in general, the people of Penzance, the Isles of Scilly, the Land's End Area and surrounding villages are against this relocation.
The Certificate of Lawful Development for runway lighting, submitted by Westward Airways, is a significant, insidious document before the council, deserving careful scrutiny. It is vital that the council consider it in the context of BIH's long term plans and an Environmental Impact Assessment should pre-empt any permissions granted.
Tony Jones has stated that if the helicopters are prevented from going to Land's End they will be deployed elsewhere. Whatever BIH do, the citizens of Penwith deserve a long term thriving tourist industry that operates within sustainable development guidelines, not a short term solution that damages a sensitive environment and turns potential visitors away from the area.
We hope that this committee will subject BIH to the same rigorous questions that we have posed this evening.
We are against the relocation of British International Helicopters to Land’s End Aerodrome and believe that our rationale is in harmony with your policies in every respect.
PDC's policies for sustainable tourism state that the council will (I quote) "encourage and assist tourism in a manner which -
* welcomes, involves and satisfies visitorsOur contention is that the relocation of BIH to Land's End fails to satisfy any of these requirements.
* achieves a profitable prosperous industry
* engages and benefits host communities
* protects and enhances the local environment"
DOES THE RELOCATION ACHIEVE A PROFITABLE PROSPEROUS INDUSTRY?
DOES IT WELCOME, INVOLVE AND SATISFY VISITORS?
At all times, a company must play to and maximise its strengths and minimise its weaknesses. Survival depends on identifying and profitably satisfying the customer's needs. The unique selling points that BIH have at present over their competitors are:
* a convenient departure point with easy access to rail, road and bus linksBut their relocation eliminates every marketing advantage they enjoy because -
* high departure reliability
* limited additional costs
* BIH will once again subject their customers to the very delays and uncertainties that they once sought to remove from their programme because of the fog and high wind that threaten in all seasonsNo wonder their customers are already stating that they would prefer to fly from Newquay, take the boat from Penzance or go elsewhere.
* customers will face an extra irksome journey between their flight and transport link that will inevitably be subject to delays during holiday periods.
* there will be occasions when Scillonians will have no air link with the mainland
Added to this there is already a perfectly adequate, cheaper, quicker, more fuel efficient, quieter and statistically safer fixed wing service operating from the same location.
All these factors determine a dwindling business for BIH, address none of their weaknesses and will inevitably hasten their demise.
It seems that they are relocating to release the capital locked in their existing heliport site. If by doing this they damage West Penwith's long term tourist economy, and discourage people from visiting Penwith and the Isles of Scilly, it is nothing short of shameful.
Four of the largest campsites in West Penwith lie close to the aerodrome, along with rental accommodation and other small businesses. Our members are very concerned that the noise and pollution of helicopters landing and taking off at close proximity, must discourage visitors. Businesses on the Isles of Scilly consider that the extra journey their visitors are now committed to, detracts from a pleasurable holiday experience.
DOES THE RELOCATION ENGAGE AND BENEFIT LOCAL COMMUNITIES?
The roads to Land's End support a rural community of small villages and hamlets, twisting and winding through beautiful landscape. In the Summer they are busy with locals' cars, farm vehicles, bicycles, horses and ponies. Adding even greater visitor traffic is not sustainable growth, but the imposition of a dangerous burden that will change the nature of local villages, challenge their rural way of life and cause frustrating traffic jams for everyone.
According to BIH's own statistics they employ over 80 people and carry an average of about 300 passengers a day. A conservative estimate informs us that in terms of road traffic this will mean 200 round trips a day; 400 journeys of ten miles; 4000 miles per day, and over 1.5 million miles per year. At 30 mpg that will burn over 50,000 gallons of fuel. Quite rightly, county and district policies encourage business to be located close to population centres specifically to avoid this situation.
Helicopters generate up to three times the noise of the fixed wing aircraft. BIH's timetable reveals that a helicopter will take off and land approximately every fifteen minutes in high season. This will subject local people to intolerable noise and pollution, continuously, throughout the day.
The aerodrome is surrounded by farms, moors and downs all hosting farm animals, horses, ponies and wild creatures. It is well documented how the noise and motion from helicopters terrify them and there have been thousands of accidents.
DOES THE RELOCATION PROTECT AND ENHANCE THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT?
The beauty of the area, is in our view unequalled and its greatest asset. Abutting and almost abutting the aerodrome are stunning cliffs, moors, downs, sand dunes, sheltered valleys, ancient field systems, neolithic remains, footpaths, streams, small water falls, tin mining sites and holy wells, all set against the wonderful Atlantic Ocean. Unusual birds, insects and plants thrive in the different habitats. Two of the best surfing beaches in the country along with the coast path add to the wonderfully diverse richness any visitor experiences. They return year after year because they enjoy the fresh air, peacefulness, wildlife, beaches, and special quality of light that they, along with the locals, love.
Imagine their dismay when encountering repeated helicopter clatter resounding from the cliffs and through the valleys.
To accommodate the number of passengers and staff that would be using the aerodrome, a car park offering 800 additional spaces would seem a reasonable estimate. Acres of parked cars will impinge on the vistas enjoyed from Carn Bosavern, Chapel Carn Brea, Bartinney Downs, the ancient footpaths to Carn Euny and all the surrounding high ground.
How long will it be before holiday makers choose other valleys, beaches, sections of coast path to visit, that are not blighted by car parks, noisy aircraft, pollution and congested roads?
And to conclude, for now, BIH are before you in closed session because they qualify for part 1 of schedule12 A. This does not surprise us, as BIH have, in our view, employed surprise, speed and secrecy as key strategies to drive along their plans, leaving councillors and local people confused and ill informed. What is desperately needed is a public meeting where BIH set out their long term plans for the service, offering them for debate and questioning by all the local people affected, because in general, the people of Penzance, the Isles of Scilly, the Land's End Area and surrounding villages are against this relocation.
The Certificate of Lawful Development for runway lighting, submitted by Westward Airways, is a significant, insidious document before the council, deserving careful scrutiny. It is vital that the council consider it in the context of BIH's long term plans and an Environmental Impact Assessment should pre-empt any permissions granted.
Tony Jones has stated that if the helicopters are prevented from going to Land's End they will be deployed elsewhere. Whatever BIH do, the citizens of Penwith deserve a long term thriving tourist industry that operates within sustainable development guidelines, not a short term solution that damages a sensitive environment and turns potential visitors away from the area.
We hope that this committee will subject BIH to the same rigorous questions that we have posed this evening.
