Mr M Scott, Bagby Airfield, Bagby, Thirsk, North - Hambleton District ...

256. Business case
257. There is a lack of evidence to show how the scheme will support local
businesses and lead to regeneration or growth of the local economy.
Consideration has been given to the ‘business case’ by the Council’s consultants
– York Aviation. The statement from York Aviation is appended to the proof at
Appendix 1.
258. The history of the airfield shows that it has grown from a base for hobby
flyers operating at a small scale that appeared to be funded by the collective
efforts of those using the airfield as their home base. The additional facilities
provided at the airfield during the 1980’s and 90’s and the change in ownership at
the end of the 90’s saw the airfield operated as small business by the new owner
Mr Dundon.
259. The appeal proposals seek to replace and enlarge the facilities. Many of
the buildings erected during the 1980’s are of poor quality. Some of the earliest
buildings have fallen into disuse. The workshop building alongside the clubhouse
has provided a workspace for an aviation engineer. The appeal scheme would
increase the amount of maintenance floor space and improve the quality of the
facilities.
260. No precise detail was given in the application documents of the nature or
extent of the existing business and how it may contribute to the local economy
which in turn would help sustain rural communities or facilitate regeneration.
261. Similarly the ‘2010’ appeal scheme lacked detail of how the development
would support the local economy again which in turn would help sustain rural
communities.
262. The requirement to understand the contribution a development may make
to the local economy is routed in the Core Strategy of the LDF. The Core
Strategy sets out the Strategic Vision and Objectives for the District. The sixth
Strategic Objective is:
Hambleton District Council - Tim Wood – Proof of Evidence - 58 -