Message text written by INTERNET:DaveBuzz@aol.com
>If anyone wishes to object personally to the proposal to reduce the 28 day
rule, you dont have to ask...<
Not only do you not have to ask please do object. This is a very important
matter and we have been given a very short time to put in our opinions. It
is very important that as many of us as possible respond to this document.
Be under no illusion if we don't make our feelings made in large numbers we
will be squeezed further into fewer and fewer airfields. Anyone who has not
yet put in a letter should do so now. For the sake of a few minutes of your
time you may well save the use of many small airstrips. The closure date is
the 24th April so act now!! A copy of the info required is included below
in case you have already dumped previous e-mails on the subject.
Nigel Charles
"At present, planning law in England permits the temporary use of any
land for any purpose for not more than 28 days in any calendar year
(although some purposes are restricted to no more than 14 days in
total). Many small flying sites operate under this "28 day rule" and
some larger operations began in this very modest way.
The "28 day rule" is now under threat. As part of its far ranging review
of the entire planning system, Central Government is deciding whether,
or not, this rule should be allowed to continue. Interestingly, flying
activities have not been mentioned specifically as causing this need for
change although, in many cases, GA can fall under the "motor sports"
category.
It is apparent that the review has been driven by concerns about car
boot sales and temporary markets, motor sports such as stock car racing,
and clay pigeon shooting. Unfortunately, GA will be caught up in any
changes.
Six options are set out in the Government's recent consultation paper on
the subject:
1. Retain the current situation.
2. Remove temporary use rights for all users.
3. Remove the 28 day "permitted development" rights for temporary
markets, all motor sports and clay pigeon shooting.
4. Reduce the number of days on which temporary markets, all motor
sports and clay pigeon shooting can operate without planning permission,
to seven days in any one year.
5. Introduce a size threshold above which "permitted development" rights
would be removed for temporary markets, all motor sports and clay pigeon
shooting. This appears to be aimed primarily at markets.
6. Introduce a notification procedure for events - again aimed at
markets, fetes and similar events.
Question 17 asks: "Which option for temporary use provision do you most
favour. Would you prefer an alternative option not set out in the
paper?"
Question 18 asks: "Why do you prefer your chosen option?"
The consultation paper sets out the pros and cons of each option but
does not make any recommendation.
The "28 day rule" is a very valuable planning tool which has been of
benefit to many over the years. Its loss would be very regrettable and
should be strongly resisted. Readers are therefore urged to respond to
this consultation paper and request that option 1 - for no change - be
chosen. There are no forms to complete. You simply need to answer
Questions 17 and 18 and send the letter to:
Development Control Policy Division
Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions
Zone 4/J3, Eland House
Bressenden Place
London SW1E 5DU
For the attention of Mr Iain Clark"
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