Supporters of an airfield which has been embroiled in a row over noise for the last decade are celebrating after plans to transform the venue were approved.
Hambleton District Council’s planning committee approved the fourth set of proposals to revamp Bagby Airfield, south of Thirsk, which could see new hangars, a clubhouse with bedrooms for pilots, staff of the airfield and trainees and catering facilities and new taxiways.
Councillors were told the scheme had more than 100 letters of support and scores of objections.
Martin Scott, the 15.6-hectare airfield’s owner, said the move would provide both Bagby and Thirkleby residents and airfield users with clarity about the future of the airfield, over which there have been four public inquiries.
Councillors were told the plans would boost the local economy and significantly improve facilities at the airfield – which is used by hobbyist pilots, businesspeople, horserace-goers traveling to race meetings and is home to an aircraft servicing and maintenance business.
Mr Scott added: “Bagby is a fantastic airfield and our plans will ensure it remains an important resource for people learning to fly, leisure pilots, and businesses.
“There will be no change to the type of aircraft using the site, but our improvements will bring substantial investment.”
Campaigners have said they will appeal to the Government to call in the decision and hold a public inquiry as they did not believe the airfield was important to the local economy and had no confidence in the council’s ability to restrict flight numbers.
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