From comments in the press and those circulated, for example, by Penzance Chamber of Commerce, it now seems clear that British International Helicopters will be flying from Land’s End Aerodrome when they leave their present site. The aerodrome lies within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and abuts a designated Heritage Coast. Presently there are 10 Cornish choughs being monitored by the RSPB between Pendeen and Gwennap Head. Thousands of visitors enjoy a variety of recreational activities in this beautiful part of Cornwall. We are told that BIH are compelled to realise the capital on their Eastern Green site, but at what cost to this region?
The regular drone of aircraft from Land’s End Aerodrome is a common sound along the coastal plain between Bartinney Downs and Whitesand Bay. If BIH also fly from the airport, they could be approximately three times as loud as the fixed wing, taking off and landing about every twenty minutes during high season. Such an imposition, of the same noise and noxious emissions that the people of Eastern Green and Gulval currently endure, added to the existing aircraft noise experienced at Land’s End, needs urgent formal appraisal.
This is not something new. In February 2009 the Land Use Planning Adviser for the National Trust asked Penwith District Council if they would be calling for an Environmental Impact Assessment concerning Westward Airways application for runway lighting, as the aerodrome was in a ‘sensitive area’ due to its AONB designation. In July 1997 the Government Office for the South West, ruled that Land’s End Aerodrome needed an EIA concerning their application to extend runways and install lighting. If BIH operate from Land’s End Aerodrome the environmental consequences are likely to be more severe than either of those developments.
Do the Parish Councils of Sennen and St Buryan, St Just Town Council, Cornwall Council, our MP, and the Duke of Cornwall have evidence of the culmination of noise levels and emissions that the BIH move could cause? If not, will they acknowledge their responsibility to the people they serve by calling on BIH to provide an EIA? The significant encroachment on the environment, roads, businesses, residents and tourism that the relocation might cause, deserves nothing less than the rigorous scrutiny an EIA offers.
Caroline Passingham, Kelynack
Saturday, 1 May 2010
Thursday, 22 April 2010
Letter to the Cornishman Newspaper
Thursday April 22, 2010
Today’s letter to the Cornishman from Chairman Tony White
Tony Jones, as a highly professional business man, is to be congratulated. It takes real skill to present a disaster as a triumph but he’s tried to pull it off.
We’ve not commented before as some of the proposals details were a little obscure but from the comments now in circulation it would appear BIH plan to relocate their operating and service base to Newquay and run their Scilly Isles service from Lands End Aerodrome. The site they pulled out of in 1964 after four months of summer operation in which they suffered over 14% weather related flight cancellations and which has been out of service for weeks over the past two winters.
So what will this move achieve?
- a further decline in Penzance’s independent retail trade
- drop in the day trip traffic to the Isles of Scilly, with Tresco, in particular, likely to suffer.
- an increased flood risk in the Eastern Green flood plain as around 13 acres of absorbent grassland is covered by supermarket roofs and asphalt car parking
- huge environmental noise, fume and visual pollution from Lands End to St Just over hotels, B&B’s, holiday homes and camping sites in West Penwith’s premier tourism location; an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Heritage coast; an area whose beaches have been chosen by their visitors because of their beauty and tranquillity, beaches soon to be blighted by these ancient helicopters. The immediate loss of business and employment is inevitable.
- the transfer of a successful business [BIH] with no real competition to its unique selling points, which are almost entirely a result of its current location, to the base of its major competitor; a competitor whose flight operating costs, we are informed by our own experts, are about 70% lower per passenger mile and whose return ticket price undercuts BIH’s slower, smellier, noisier service by £35 per ticket
- dangerous and damaging road congestion, particularly during the summer months on the A30 and B3306, amongst others.
- huge increase in the County’s carbon footprint as a result of the tens of thousands of unnecessary extra vehicle journeys from Penzance to Land’s End Aerodrome.
We are told there is nowhere in the world where helicopters and fixed wing aircraft operate over the same route where the helicopter service survives. They are destroyed by their cost disadvantages, so in a relatively short time we will lose all BIH current employment and the peripheral business and employment it brings to accommodation providers, restaurants etc.
If Cornwall County Council are serious about the retention of a helicopter link to the Isles of Scilly they should purchase the site themselves and lease it back to BIH. The only reason for BIH’s decision to sell the site must be to release capital in the site, because any move from Eastern Green makes no commercial sense. If CCC take it over they could use part of the site for the harbour lorry park. Then they might even save some money, and paying the same price as Sainsburys would give them a marketable asset which they could sell on if and when BIH finally closes.
And if CCC aren’t prepared to make this investment perhaps they should urgently reconsider their harbour policy and bring in the fast twin hulled service, or within four years the Scillys are going to find themselves without a fast service link.
Meanwhile all we can say is: “Nice one Tony. What a well presented mirage. Your PR team must feel very pleased with themselves”
Tony White .Chairman Lands End Aerodrome Action Group
Today’s letter to the Cornishman from Chairman Tony White
Tony Jones, as a highly professional business man, is to be congratulated. It takes real skill to present a disaster as a triumph but he’s tried to pull it off.
We’ve not commented before as some of the proposals details were a little obscure but from the comments now in circulation it would appear BIH plan to relocate their operating and service base to Newquay and run their Scilly Isles service from Lands End Aerodrome. The site they pulled out of in 1964 after four months of summer operation in which they suffered over 14% weather related flight cancellations and which has been out of service for weeks over the past two winters.
So what will this move achieve?
- a further decline in Penzance’s independent retail trade
- drop in the day trip traffic to the Isles of Scilly, with Tresco, in particular, likely to suffer.
- an increased flood risk in the Eastern Green flood plain as around 13 acres of absorbent grassland is covered by supermarket roofs and asphalt car parking
- huge environmental noise, fume and visual pollution from Lands End to St Just over hotels, B&B’s, holiday homes and camping sites in West Penwith’s premier tourism location; an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Heritage coast; an area whose beaches have been chosen by their visitors because of their beauty and tranquillity, beaches soon to be blighted by these ancient helicopters. The immediate loss of business and employment is inevitable.
- the transfer of a successful business [BIH] with no real competition to its unique selling points, which are almost entirely a result of its current location, to the base of its major competitor; a competitor whose flight operating costs, we are informed by our own experts, are about 70% lower per passenger mile and whose return ticket price undercuts BIH’s slower, smellier, noisier service by £35 per ticket
- dangerous and damaging road congestion, particularly during the summer months on the A30 and B3306, amongst others.
- huge increase in the County’s carbon footprint as a result of the tens of thousands of unnecessary extra vehicle journeys from Penzance to Land’s End Aerodrome.
We are told there is nowhere in the world where helicopters and fixed wing aircraft operate over the same route where the helicopter service survives. They are destroyed by their cost disadvantages, so in a relatively short time we will lose all BIH current employment and the peripheral business and employment it brings to accommodation providers, restaurants etc.
If Cornwall County Council are serious about the retention of a helicopter link to the Isles of Scilly they should purchase the site themselves and lease it back to BIH. The only reason for BIH’s decision to sell the site must be to release capital in the site, because any move from Eastern Green makes no commercial sense. If CCC take it over they could use part of the site for the harbour lorry park. Then they might even save some money, and paying the same price as Sainsburys would give them a marketable asset which they could sell on if and when BIH finally closes.
And if CCC aren’t prepared to make this investment perhaps they should urgently reconsider their harbour policy and bring in the fast twin hulled service, or within four years the Scillys are going to find themselves without a fast service link.
Meanwhile all we can say is: “Nice one Tony. What a well presented mirage. Your PR team must feel very pleased with themselves”
Tony White .Chairman Lands End Aerodrome Action Group
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
Letter to Cornwall County Council
23 June 2009
Dear Mr. Mosely,
Re - Land’s End Aerodrome
We understand that you have replaced Mr. Edgecombe as Group Leader and we wish you every success in your new job.
Over the last three months LEAAG has liaised with five different Council personnel, whilst attempting to secure consultee status for our group in the event of any planning applications being submitted concerning Land's End Aerodrome. To avoid any confusion, and also in reply to Mr. Edgecombe's letter of 15/06/09, we feel it appropriate to confirm our understandings so far. These are -
Dear Mr. Mosely,
We understand that you have replaced Mr. Edgecombe as Group Leader and we wish you every success in your new job.
Over the last three months LEAAG has liaised with five different Council personnel, whilst attempting to secure consultee status for our group in the event of any planning applications being submitted concerning Land's End Aerodrome. To avoid any confusion, and also in reply to Mr. Edgecombe's letter of 15/06/09, we feel it appropriate to confirm our understandings so far. These are -
- that Cornwall Council will give LEAAG the opportunity to comment on any planning application that is submitted for development on the aerodrome
- that LEAAG will be consulted before the officer writes his report/recommendation
- that LEAAG's interest in any development on the site has been recorded on the history file for the site
- that Cornwall Council advise any developer to consult with LEAAG at the pre-application stage
- that under the Freedom of Information Act, LEAAG be given information of any meetings and discussions relating to the aerodrome, and all associated correspondence that is not confidential.
Thursday, 18 June 2009
Status of LEAAG
Non-Statutory Consultee status for LEAAG
In response to our letter of application to Cornwall Council for LEAAG to become non-statutory consultees pertaining to any planning matters relating to Land's End Aerodrome, we received the following reply.
LEAAG has continued to seek clear advice from the council concerning LEAAG’s status as non-statutory consultees and has just received the following letter from Paul Edgecombe, Interim Group Leader, Planning and Regeneration, Cornwall Council to C.Passingham LEAAG 15/6/09
In response to our letter of application to Cornwall Council for LEAAG to become non-statutory consultees pertaining to any planning matters relating to Land's End Aerodrome, we received the following reply.
"I am pleased to confirm that should we receive an application with regard to Land's End Aerodrome we will seek the comments of LEAAG before the officer writes his report/recommendation."Although we welcomed this statement, we sought confirmation that this was the same as non-statutory consultee status, which would involve LEAAG in pre-application discussions, if invited. The government recommends that local planning authorities should encourage and facilitate pre-application consultation between relevant parties. The letter above only prescribes notification after the planning application has been submitted.
LEAAG has continued to seek clear advice from the council concerning LEAAG’s status as non-statutory consultees and has just received the following letter from Paul Edgecombe, Interim Group Leader, Planning and Regeneration, Cornwall Council to C.Passingham LEAAG 15/6/09
"Land's End AerodromeWe will update members on any future developments concerning this issue.
I refer to previous correspondence and telephone conversations which concerns the above. I also refer to the message that you left on my voice mail today.
I write to place on record the response to your telephone call and so there is no misunderstanding. In the voice mail messages that you have left you reiterated your contention that your organisation, LEAAG should be considered non-statutory consultees and asked that this council will confirm such a status, which in your opinion will give you a greater chance of being involved in any pre-application discussions that concerns the aerodrome.
Before writing this letter I have referred to the document that you identified in your telephone call, the DCLG Statutory and Non Statutory Consultation Report, which was a 2001 consultation document. I have also referred to Circular 9/95 General Development Order Consolidation 1995 which identifies that non statutory consultees as those specified organisations that the government advises in ' various circulars and other guidance' should be consulted on development proposals. I have also discussed your contention with fellow planners and have received advice from one of the Council's Planning Solicitors, who confirms that you cannot be considered a non-stutory consultee, but can be informed of any application that is submitted on the site. She also confirms that there is no right for non-statutory ( or statutory) consultees to
be involved in pre-application discussions, but that, where appropriate, they could be invited to pre application discussions, as could any other party or individual.
From all that I have read and have been advised, I cannot confirm that your organisation is a 'non-statutory consultee.' However I would re-iterate that you will be given the opportunity to comment on any planning application that is submitted for development on the aerodrome and your interest in any development that is proposed on the site has been recorded on the history file for the site. Your wish to be involved in any pre-application discussions has also been noted."
Wednesday, 15 April 2009
Rotor and Wing magazine
Rotor and Wing, an international magazine for those interested in aircraft, conducted a telephone interview with Jon Passingham in March after failing to obtain any information from British International Helicopters concerning their relocation. Add your voice in the comments slot at the end of the article. (We have informed them that Land's End is not in Wales!)
Wednesday, 8 April 2009
Latest News
Meeting with Westward
Tony White, Jon Passingham and Caroline Passingham met with Jeff Marston and colleagues, to discuss Westward's part in the BIH move. Mr Marston explained that Westward had plans to improve the airport's buildings but that any works would be within their current footprints, and subject to planning approval. LEAAG intend to monitor applications to check they maintain this position.
We were told that the landing lights were needed to improve flight safety for Skybus, not the helicopters. As they have been flying without them for 23 years, we would have to ask 'why?' They seem to think that as the lights are not necessarily permanent fixtures they won’t need planning permission. They will, however, be making a new Planning Application for them.
We outlined the reasons for LEAAG's opposition to the re location, discussing noise and fume pollution, floodlit car park installations, through to large scale building development. Jeff Marston confirmed that if the helicopter service closed, Skybus would be able to handle all BIH passengers with their current aircraft and without an huge increase in daily flights. They conceded that the car park issue would present them with problems.
We confirmed we are not intrinsically opposed to the airport, but would closely look at any development proposals.
LEAAG Presentation to Penzance Chamber of Commerce 7th April
Tony White and Jon Passingham attended the Chamber's meeting and Tony White presented LEAAG's concerns to them. As a result they have joined us as an organisation, with many members also wanting to join on an individual basis. This, on its own, increases our membership by over 120 people and businesses.
Membership
LEAAG has been targetting surfers and holiday makers at Sennen and Gwynver during the Easter holiday with nearly a hundred new members recruited over last week end alone.
Tony White, Jon Passingham and Caroline Passingham met with Jeff Marston and colleagues, to discuss Westward's part in the BIH move. Mr Marston explained that Westward had plans to improve the airport's buildings but that any works would be within their current footprints, and subject to planning approval. LEAAG intend to monitor applications to check they maintain this position.
We were told that the landing lights were needed to improve flight safety for Skybus, not the helicopters. As they have been flying without them for 23 years, we would have to ask 'why?' They seem to think that as the lights are not necessarily permanent fixtures they won’t need planning permission. They will, however, be making a new Planning Application for them.
We outlined the reasons for LEAAG's opposition to the re location, discussing noise and fume pollution, floodlit car park installations, through to large scale building development. Jeff Marston confirmed that if the helicopter service closed, Skybus would be able to handle all BIH passengers with their current aircraft and without an huge increase in daily flights. They conceded that the car park issue would present them with problems.
We confirmed we are not intrinsically opposed to the airport, but would closely look at any development proposals.
LEAAG Presentation to Penzance Chamber of Commerce 7th April
Tony White and Jon Passingham attended the Chamber's meeting and Tony White presented LEAAG's concerns to them. As a result they have joined us as an organisation, with many members also wanting to join on an individual basis. This, on its own, increases our membership by over 120 people and businesses.
Membership
LEAAG has been targetting surfers and holiday makers at Sennen and Gwynver during the Easter holiday with nearly a hundred new members recruited over last week end alone.
Thursday, 19 March 2009
Response from 'Old Mike'
"Following our response to Old Mike's article in the Cornishman in which he seemed to give some support to the heliport move he has published a generous review of his position in last weeks issue. He and the 'Cornishman' have kindly given us permission to republish it on our blog. You will note that his comments regarding the noise disturbance reinforce our own statements and concerns.
Old Mike column. Cornishman 10 March 2009
'Hats off to A.C. White who chairs the Lands End Aerodrome Action Group opposed to the move of the heliport from Penzance to St Just. With forensic skill he picked apart my column on the subject and put in a wealth of facts I didn't know and a very sound case for it not to happen.
However I must take exception to a few points. The ghastly noise and pollution is not 'lost over Mounts Bay'. Would that it were. I used to live in Kerris, where the peace of a summer’s afternoon was substituted several times an hour for the awful clatter which resounded from the hills, making conversation impossible below a shout. When I moved from there I fancied living in Paul, but this seemed to be ground zero for all flights which, having avoided denser areas of population by crossing Mounts Bay came overland to spread their miserable footprint all the way to Lands End.
I also stand by my points on the pollution and danger posed by its present site. But just because I wouldn't miss it doesn't mean I wish it on someone else. I can see that operating companies need to find economies of scale and I understand how crucial transport links are to the future of Scilly, but like Mr/Ms White I resent the impact local people have to suffer for something they can rarely afford to enjoy for themselves. We all need to fight our corner. I’m sorry if the tone of my last article was unsympathetic.'
Old Mike column. Cornishman 10 March 2009
'Hats off to A.C. White who chairs the Lands End Aerodrome Action Group opposed to the move of the heliport from Penzance to St Just. With forensic skill he picked apart my column on the subject and put in a wealth of facts I didn't know and a very sound case for it not to happen.
However I must take exception to a few points. The ghastly noise and pollution is not 'lost over Mounts Bay'. Would that it were. I used to live in Kerris, where the peace of a summer’s afternoon was substituted several times an hour for the awful clatter which resounded from the hills, making conversation impossible below a shout. When I moved from there I fancied living in Paul, but this seemed to be ground zero for all flights which, having avoided denser areas of population by crossing Mounts Bay came overland to spread their miserable footprint all the way to Lands End.
I also stand by my points on the pollution and danger posed by its present site. But just because I wouldn't miss it doesn't mean I wish it on someone else. I can see that operating companies need to find economies of scale and I understand how crucial transport links are to the future of Scilly, but like Mr/Ms White I resent the impact local people have to suffer for something they can rarely afford to enjoy for themselves. We all need to fight our corner. I’m sorry if the tone of my last article was unsympathetic.'
