Details to be provided shortly
Monday, February 16, 2009
Kenley Update February 2009
The earlier application for a fence around Kenley was refused, however a revised application has been lodged.
Friday, February 23, 2007
ABC Kenley Issues
February 2007
NEW....Click Register to add yourself to our ABC Kenley petition.
Sample protest letters at bottom, plus new article on Kenley Airfield History
BBC Southern Counties Breakfast Radio excerpts. Jan 22nd 2007 Peter Ainsworth, Chris Windridge & others. By kind permission of the BBC.( plays Mpeg4 file)
Click ABC/BBC
ABC Fun run near Kenley on March 4th 2007
SUMMARY OF ISSUES
SAVE KENLEY AERODROME
This is important if you like to walk, jog, cycle, exercise your dog or make other leisure use of Kenley Aerodrome.
The Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) for Greater London is planning to erect a 1.2m perimeter fence around the airfield.
There may be a case for erecting a fence to avoid accidents during active use of the inner area for gliders. There is no evidence that options other than fencing off the aerodrome have been considered.
The Aerodrome is in a Conservation Area and the fence will be unsightly and inappropriate on this site.
Peter Ainsworth your MP has already written to Des Browne, the Secretary of State for Defence, asking for the plan to be reviewed.
We need to maintain the amenity value of Kenley Aerodrome for all local residents in both Tandridge District and the adjacent parts of the Borough of Croydon
Don’t let the Government ride roughshod over our interests. Please write to Des Browne asking for the plan to be reconsidered. His address is:
Rt Hon Des Browne, MP,
Secretary of State for Defence,
MOD Ministerial Correspondence Unit
5th Floor, Zone A
Main Building
Whitehall
London
SW1A 2HB
Or even better STILL e-mail him via the following link:
ministers@mod.uk together with your full postal address.
Time is short to Save Kenley Aerodrome - Fence construction is due to start on the 22nd January.
Prepared by: ABC - A Better Caterham
If you would like to know more about the ABC Project, please visit our website
http://www.caterhamabc.org.uk
==================================================
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
Writing an individual letter is best to Des Browne copy to Croydon Planning dept. Otherwise print and collect signatures. Deliver to ABC shop, 11 Church Walk, Caterham.
SAVE KENLEY AERODROME BACKGROUND TO THE PETITION
The Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) for Greater London is planning to erect a 1.2m high perimeter fence around Kenley Aerodrome. Work is set to start on January 22, 2006.
Kenley Aerodrome has a tremendous amenity value for all local residents. It is in a Conservation Area and the fence will look unsightly and inappropriate on this site.
There is no evidence that options other than fencing off the aerodrome have been considered.
Please sign the ABC – A Better Caterham Project’s petition requesting that the proposal to erect a fence around Kenley Aerodrome be delayed until other options have been considered.
ABC will then send the petition to Des Browne MP, Secretary of State for Defence.
------------------------------------------------------------------
FENCING OFF KENLEY AERODROME PETITION
The Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) for Greater London is planning to erect a 1.2m high perimeter fence around the airfield with work set to start on January 22, 2006. Kenley Aerodrome has a tremendous amenity value for all local residents and it is a Conservation Area. The proposed fence will look unsightly and is inappropriate on this site.
We, the undersigned, therefore request that the proposal to erect a fence around Kenley Aerodrome be delayed until other options have been considered.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
ABC - A Better Caterham. Press Release. 15th January 2007
ABC Calls for public consultation over proposed fencing at Kenley Airfield.
There is a proposal to fence a large part of the airfield at Kenley, which is being proposed with almost no opportunity for consultation on grounds of safety.
While there may be a real case for avoiding accidents during active use of the inner area for gliders, it also needs to fit in with the conservation status of the whole area and continue to provide a public amenity.
Peter Ainsworth has already responded with a press release and many others are expressing great concern.
Given the scale of public support demonstrated in the ABC exercise for conservation of public open spaces, the green belt and generally to preserve the good and improve the bad parts of the local area, this proposal must need greater public consultation before action is taken.
Over 850 have so far participated in our A Better Caterham exercise, and provide existing strong evidence of public concern and support for preservation of areas such as the Kenley Airfield site.
We are adding links and information to our web site to cover the Kenley issue in more depth, including the ability to register support for our position.
In the meantime we call on MOD to defer the fencing. Gliding activities have been in place at Kenley for many years, without the need for fencing and the recent moves to give the site conservation status highlights its local value.
We understand the need for safety but have other options been considered?
We are making a separate press release re the A Better Caterham exercise this week to encourage people to complete and return our ABC survey form by the end of January. At present we have over 850 responses but are looking to double this to ensure good coverage of local people – so every survey counts. Both Caterham and nearby areas with communal issues such as Kenley, Coulsdon, Chaldon and Whyteleafe are the subject of this wide ranging local exercise. We welcome participation and comment by all those bordering our area on many local issues.
Chris Windridge
Chair ABC - A Better Caterham project.
http://www.caterhamabc.org.uk
Email: caterhamabc@mac.com
Contact ABC to volunteer or comment
Post: ABC Caterham, Bronzeoak, Stafford Rd, Caterham, CR3 6JG
Web survey and info: http://www.caterhamabc.org.uk
email: caterhamabc@mac.com
Info Centre: 11 Church Walk, Caterham
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Press Release Peter Ainsworth MP
House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA
Press release for immediate release: 12th January 2007
Local MP Calls on MoD to Reconsider Kenley Aerodrome Fence
East Surrey MP Peter Ainsworth has urged the Secretary of State for Defence to reconsider plans to erect a controversial fence around the perimeter of Kenley Aerodrome.
Peter Ainsworth wrote to the Rt. Hon Des Browne MP following the submission of a planning application by the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) for Greater London to erect a 1.2m perimeter fence around the airfield. The RFCA currently use the Airfield for gliding and it is believed that they are erecting the fence for health and safety reasons. The construction of the fence is due to start on the 22nd January 2007.
Kenley Aerodrome is in a Conservation Area and Tandridge residents have raised concerns that the fence will look unsightly and inappropriate on this site. There are also concerns that the erection of the fence will curtail the use of the land for walkers, cyclists and other leisure users.
Speaking on the construction, Peter Ainsworth said:
“Kenley Aerodrome is a popular destination for the public who use the area for a range of activities and I am concerned that this access will be spoilt by the erection of this fence. Furthermore, as the Aerodrome is in a Conservation Area, it is extremely important that due consideration is given to the appearance of any proposed development.”
He added:
“That is why I have written to the Secretary of State for Defence asking him to reconsider both the need for and the aesthetic aspects of this fence.”
ENDS
Press contact: 020 9219 5078
Notes to Editors:
1) the full text of Peter Ainsworth’s letter is as follows:
To:
The Rt Hon Des Browne MP
Secretary of State for Defence
Ministry of Defence
Whitehall
London SW1A 2HB
12th January 2007
I have recently been contacted by constituents who are concerned about the planning application submitted by the RFCA for Greater London to erect a 1.2m fence around the perimeter of Kenley Airfield.
As you may be aware, part of the proposed fence runs through my constituency and I am concerned that, if permission is granted, it will severely curtail the use of this popular destination for walkers and cyclists. It should also be noted that Kenley Airfield is in a Conservation Area and there are concerns that the fence will look unsightly and inappropriate in this setting.
I understand that there may be health and safety considerations in relation to RFCA’s use of the Airfield for gliding which have led to this application being lodged. I would therefore be grateful if you would provide me with further details on the perceived risk to the public resulting from access to this land. I would also be grateful if you would provide me with details of any relevant risk assessment or similar appraisal that has taken place and what consideration was given to alternative methods of protecting the public that use this area for recreational purposes.
I would also be interested to know what measures have been put forward to ensure that the fence does not undermine the Conservation Area status of the Airfield.
Given the strength of feeling in my constituency in relation to this planning application, I would be grateful if you would look again at both the necessity and proposed structure of the fence. I would welcome your comments on both aspects of this application.
I very much look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
PETER AINSWORTH MP
House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA
2) Details of the RFCA’s Application to Croydon Council to erect a 1.2m perimeter fence at Kenley Aerodrome (06/05232/LP) can be found using the following link: http://planning.croydon.gov.uk/DCOnlinePages/acolnetcgi.gov?ACTION=UNWRAP&RIPNAME=Root.PgeResultDetail&TheSystemkey=109943
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Press Release
Councillor Hilary Turner
Portley Ward – Tandridge District Council
6 Harestone Hill CATERHAM Surrey CR3 6SX
01883 343359 HilaryTurner@chalky-bank.co.uk
NEWS RELEASE -12th January 2007
PLAN TO FENCE OFF KENLEY AIRFIELD "A DISASTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
AND FOR HUNDREDS OF LEISURE USERS"
The RFCA (Reserve Forces and Cadets Association) for Greater London proposes to build a fence around almost the entire perimeter of Kenley Airfield. The RFCA, which uses the Airfield for gliding, is understood to say that the fence is needed "for health and safety reasons". Construction is due to start later this month.
Councillor Hilary Turner (Portley Ward, Tandridge District) says: "This fence would be a disaster. It would be built close to the outer edge of the concrete / tarmac perimeter track and would run for over a mile round the Airfield perimeter, with further fencing closing off the apron at the southern end. This would trap the many walkers and other leisure users of the Airfield into a narrow strip around the edge of the perimeter, and it would stop people from being able to make a circuit of the Airfield. The Airfield is hugely popular and is used by children learning to cycle away from the danger of road traffic and by many dog walkers, joggers and others.
"The 1.2m high fence will also look intrusive and unsightly and will seriously undermine the Airfield's Conservation Area status.
"I recognise that there are potential safety concerns but there has to be a better way to enable the hundreds of leisure users to continue to enjoy the freedom of the Airfield. I call upon the RFCA to withdraw the proposal for this fence and to hold discussions with Croydon and Tandridge Councils, the City of London Corporation (which manages Kenley Common)
and the Friends of Kenley Airfield."
Notes for Editors:
The Kenley Airfield site straddles the boundary between Croydon Borough and Tandridge District. The open part of the Airfield is in Croydon, while the buildings at the southern end are in Tandridge. The Airfield is in the Metropolitan Green Belt and was granted Conservation Area status a year ago.
Part of the Airfield land is managed by the City of London Corporation as part of Kenley Common. It is understood that the City Corporation's ability to manage the area would be adversely affected by the proposed fence.
The Airfield is used by many hundreds of walkers, dog-walkers, joggers, cyclists and other leisure users. They come to enjoy the uninterrupted open space of the Airfield, travelling mainly from the Kenley, Coulsdon, Caterham and Whyteleafe areas, but also from further afield. Use is particularly high during the summer months, when there are many daylight hours when gliding is not taking place. It is important for many users that they are able to make a full circuit of the Airfield.
Details of the proposal can be viewed at www.croydon.gov.uk > environment & planning > development > planning > online planning services > search the ... register > online planning register > advanced search > enter application number 06/05232/LP and click on the number and then on documents.
The cost of the fence is not known.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Press release by Tandridge District Council
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note by ABC editor:
The detail shown of MOD's application by following the above is presented here for convenience and valid at 15th Jan 2007:
Individual comments on this application can be submitted to Croydon planning by following the eMail link at the end.
Details of Planning Application - 06/05232/LP
Click here to comment on this planning application please email
planning.control@croydon.gov.uk including the Application Number, your name, address, comment and reason for interest.
Larger scale Map:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sample protest letters
Post or eMail to:
ministers@mod.uk together with your full postal address.
Short background Article on Kenley Airfield
By Peter Brent
An important Caterham Heritage Initiative is Kenley Airfield which is now a Conservation Area for which responsibility is shared jointly between Tandridge District Council and Croydon Council, which covers Kenley.
Many of the Royal Air Force’s World War II airfields have now fallen prey to developers who have covered them with housing estates. However, Caterham on Hill is fortunate to have on its doorstep RAF Kenley, which, according to English Heritage, is “the most complete fighter airfield associated with the Battle of Britain to have survived”.
Opened in the summer of 1917 as No. 7 Aircraft Acceptance Park, fighter squadrons were based at RAF Kenley from 1918. The station was partly rebuilt in 1920 and 1932-34, and in 1939 concrete runways were laid.
In 1940, RAF Kenley became Sector Station HQ for B Sector, 11 Group, Fighter Command. It was one of the most important fighter stations during the Battle of Britain and throughout most of the war. Together with Croydon Airport and Biggin Hill, RAF Kenley was responsible for the air defence of London. In early 1940, RAF command was located opposite what is now Caterham Close but had to be moved because of the danger of being hit by German bombs. The last operation was flown on March 13, 1944 after which the station was closed to flying due to the proximity of the barrage balloon defence against German flying bombs.
During the Second World War, RAF Kenley was the temporary home for a large number of pilots who flew missions from which many failed to return. Apart from the British airmen, RAF Kenley was the base for squadrons from Czechoslovakia, Poland, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the United States, France and Belgium. Many of these pilots were billeted in the houses around Salmons Lane Green.
After the war, communications and observation flights continued from RAF Kenley. The station was finally closed on May 1st, 1959 as it was too small to accommodate the modern day jet fighter.
RAF Kenley had another life as the setting for the films ‘Angels One Five’ and ‘Reach for the Sky’ which were filmed at the airfield in 1953 and 1956.
Kenley Airfield now hosts 615 Volunteer Gliding Squadron which serves the Kent, Sussex and Surrey Wings of the ATC and CCF. It is also the home to the Surrey Hills Gliding Club.
]
Unfortunately, Kenley has lost many of the buildings associated with its wartime role. Its remaining hangars were knocked down in 1978 after a fire; the control tower was also demolished at the same time. Most of the perimeter pillboxes were knocked down in 1984.
Now through the Conservation Area, Tandridge District Council has committed itself to preserving Kenley Airfield. The Council’s Conservation Area Statement says that any developments should not compromise the integrity of the airfield as a whole, that buildings within the Conservation Area should be kept in a good state of repair, that views in and out of the airfield should be protected and enhanced, that the Conservation Area should not be considered in isolation but should be seen as integrated with the surrounding area and that development on nearby sites should also take account the effect on the Conservation Area.
Within the Tandridge part of the Conservation Area at Caterham on the Hill, a number of important buildings remain. These include two Grade II Listed buildings – the Officers’ Mess and the NAAFI - as well as the squash court, a machine gun emplacement, a substantial underground air raid shelter and the Portcullis Club which are all of historic interest.
NEW....Click Register to add yourself to our ABC Kenley petition.Sample protest letters at bottom, plus new article on Kenley Airfield History
BBC Southern Counties Breakfast Radio excerpts. Jan 22nd 2007 Peter Ainsworth, Chris Windridge & others. By kind permission of the BBC.( plays Mpeg4 file)
Click ABC/BBC
ABC Fun run near Kenley on March 4th 2007
| Stop Press Feb 23rd 2007 The latest situation is a new official planning application at Tandridge has been submitted. We propose to oppose this and deliver our petition to Tandridge & Croydon. You can help by joining the petition or writing to Tandridge or Croydon Planning. We shall also call for the release & publication of any risk assessment. The Tandridge reference is TA/2007/134 and we need your input by March 12th to submit by March 14th. You can sign the petition by clicking on the "register" button above or by catching us at any of the ABC tour locations, or by printing off the form and posting it to us, with any signatures you have collected. First tour locations are Golden Lion/Raglan Sat 24th Feb, Tesco/The Village Sun 25th Feb and De Stafford Sports Centre for the ABC Fun Run on March 4th. Core times are 11.00 to 16.00 hrs. All are near the Kenley airfield site. Petition is near 200 now following an earlier radio interview and callers at the ABC shop and internet...Please add your names and don't forget to do the ABC survey too please. Research suggests much of the Airfield is on common land, that should be returned to the community in due course. The land was originally purchased by the City of London in 1883, as one of the earliest areas in a 25 mile radius around London, together with neighbouring Coulsdon Common. The land was purchased as public open space and a buffer zone around London even then. We will add more detail as it comes available. BBC Southern Counties featured the story Monday 22nd January on Fred Marden's breakfast show. MP Peter Ainsworth and Chris Windridge were interviewed, calling for a rethink by MOD on visual and amenity grounds in this conservation & heritage site. To register your concerns write as mentioned below or register for the petition. Now that planning consent is required, we will need your help to "Have your say" Contractors may be onsite to REPAIR some fences in the vicinity of new buildings at the Caterham end of the airfield. Good news, as both Croydon and Tandridge have made the fencing subject to planning consent. However we still need your input to demonstrate the scale of public concern. Other summary info received: Croydon Council made an ’Article 4 Direction’ that will have the effect of bringing fences such as the one proposed within the definition of development requiring specific planning permission. Tandridge Council will make a similar Direction within its area. (News Jan 19th 2007 Croydon Council’s Planning Department received an application, 06/05232/LP dated 20th December 06, for a Certificate of Lawfulness as to whether a fence would require planning permission. This certificate only deals with the question as to whether the fence needs planning permission, not whether it should get it. Tandridge District Council has confirmed that part of the proposed fence falls within its district boundary.This means that Croydon Council will not be able to determine the whole application. Croydon Council has been asked to advise the applicant/agent that he/she will be required to make an application for a Certificate of Lawfulness to Tandridge District Council. According to an official at the Croydon Council Planning Department, the contractors will be proceeding with construction of the fence at their own risk as the Certificate has not been granted. Tandridge District Council is also writing to the agent advising that a separate application is required to be submitted to it. Tandridge’s Planning Department has said that if the fencing is erected prior to the submission of an application for a Certificate of Lawfulness for a proposed development, such an application cannot be accepted as the fencing will no longer be proposed and full planning permission will then be required. The City of London Corporation has written to Tandridge District Council expressing concern over the erection of the fence which it has been advised will start on 22nd January 2007. Tandridge District Council’s Director of Planning has said that planning permission is not currently required for a fence. The fact that the fence will be erected in a Conservation Area does not alter that. |
SUMMARY OF ISSUES
SAVE KENLEY AERODROME
This is important if you like to walk, jog, cycle, exercise your dog or make other leisure use of Kenley Aerodrome.
The Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) for Greater London is planning to erect a 1.2m perimeter fence around the airfield.
There may be a case for erecting a fence to avoid accidents during active use of the inner area for gliders. There is no evidence that options other than fencing off the aerodrome have been considered.
The Aerodrome is in a Conservation Area and the fence will be unsightly and inappropriate on this site.
Peter Ainsworth your MP has already written to Des Browne, the Secretary of State for Defence, asking for the plan to be reviewed.
We need to maintain the amenity value of Kenley Aerodrome for all local residents in both Tandridge District and the adjacent parts of the Borough of Croydon
Don’t let the Government ride roughshod over our interests. Please write to Des Browne asking for the plan to be reconsidered. His address is:
Rt Hon Des Browne, MP,
Secretary of State for Defence,
MOD Ministerial Correspondence Unit
5th Floor, Zone A
Main Building
Whitehall
London
SW1A 2HB
Or even better STILL e-mail him via the following link:
ministers@mod.uk together with your full postal address.
Time is short to Save Kenley Aerodrome - Fence construction is due to start on the 22nd January.
Prepared by: ABC - A Better Caterham
If you would like to know more about the ABC Project, please visit our website
http://www.caterhamabc.org.uk
==================================================
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
Writing an individual letter is best to Des Browne copy to Croydon Planning dept. Otherwise print and collect signatures. Deliver to ABC shop, 11 Church Walk, Caterham.
SAVE KENLEY AERODROME BACKGROUND TO THE PETITION
The Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) for Greater London is planning to erect a 1.2m high perimeter fence around Kenley Aerodrome. Work is set to start on January 22, 2006.
Kenley Aerodrome has a tremendous amenity value for all local residents. It is in a Conservation Area and the fence will look unsightly and inappropriate on this site.
There is no evidence that options other than fencing off the aerodrome have been considered.
Please sign the ABC – A Better Caterham Project’s petition requesting that the proposal to erect a fence around Kenley Aerodrome be delayed until other options have been considered.
ABC will then send the petition to Des Browne MP, Secretary of State for Defence.
------------------------------------------------------------------
FENCING OFF KENLEY AERODROME PETITION
The Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) for Greater London is planning to erect a 1.2m high perimeter fence around the airfield with work set to start on January 22, 2006. Kenley Aerodrome has a tremendous amenity value for all local residents and it is a Conservation Area. The proposed fence will look unsightly and is inappropriate on this site.
We, the undersigned, therefore request that the proposal to erect a fence around Kenley Aerodrome be delayed until other options have been considered.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
ABC - A Better Caterham. Press Release. 15th January 2007
ABC Calls for public consultation over proposed fencing at Kenley Airfield.
There is a proposal to fence a large part of the airfield at Kenley, which is being proposed with almost no opportunity for consultation on grounds of safety.
While there may be a real case for avoiding accidents during active use of the inner area for gliders, it also needs to fit in with the conservation status of the whole area and continue to provide a public amenity.
Peter Ainsworth has already responded with a press release and many others are expressing great concern.
Given the scale of public support demonstrated in the ABC exercise for conservation of public open spaces, the green belt and generally to preserve the good and improve the bad parts of the local area, this proposal must need greater public consultation before action is taken.
Over 850 have so far participated in our A Better Caterham exercise, and provide existing strong evidence of public concern and support for preservation of areas such as the Kenley Airfield site.
We are adding links and information to our web site to cover the Kenley issue in more depth, including the ability to register support for our position.
In the meantime we call on MOD to defer the fencing. Gliding activities have been in place at Kenley for many years, without the need for fencing and the recent moves to give the site conservation status highlights its local value.
We understand the need for safety but have other options been considered?
We are making a separate press release re the A Better Caterham exercise this week to encourage people to complete and return our ABC survey form by the end of January. At present we have over 850 responses but are looking to double this to ensure good coverage of local people – so every survey counts. Both Caterham and nearby areas with communal issues such as Kenley, Coulsdon, Chaldon and Whyteleafe are the subject of this wide ranging local exercise. We welcome participation and comment by all those bordering our area on many local issues.
Chris Windridge
Chair ABC - A Better Caterham project.
http://www.caterhamabc.org.uk
Email: caterhamabc@mac.com
Contact ABC to volunteer or comment
Post: ABC Caterham, Bronzeoak, Stafford Rd, Caterham, CR3 6JG
Web survey and info: http://www.caterhamabc.org.uk
email: caterhamabc@mac.com
Info Centre: 11 Church Walk, Caterham
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Press Release Peter Ainsworth MP
House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA
Press release for immediate release: 12th January 2007
Local MP Calls on MoD to Reconsider Kenley Aerodrome Fence
East Surrey MP Peter Ainsworth has urged the Secretary of State for Defence to reconsider plans to erect a controversial fence around the perimeter of Kenley Aerodrome.
Peter Ainsworth wrote to the Rt. Hon Des Browne MP following the submission of a planning application by the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) for Greater London to erect a 1.2m perimeter fence around the airfield. The RFCA currently use the Airfield for gliding and it is believed that they are erecting the fence for health and safety reasons. The construction of the fence is due to start on the 22nd January 2007.
Kenley Aerodrome is in a Conservation Area and Tandridge residents have raised concerns that the fence will look unsightly and inappropriate on this site. There are also concerns that the erection of the fence will curtail the use of the land for walkers, cyclists and other leisure users.
Speaking on the construction, Peter Ainsworth said:
“Kenley Aerodrome is a popular destination for the public who use the area for a range of activities and I am concerned that this access will be spoilt by the erection of this fence. Furthermore, as the Aerodrome is in a Conservation Area, it is extremely important that due consideration is given to the appearance of any proposed development.”
He added:
“That is why I have written to the Secretary of State for Defence asking him to reconsider both the need for and the aesthetic aspects of this fence.”
ENDS
Press contact: 020 9219 5078
Notes to Editors:
1) the full text of Peter Ainsworth’s letter is as follows:
To:
The Rt Hon Des Browne MP
Secretary of State for Defence
Ministry of Defence
Whitehall
London SW1A 2HB
12th January 2007
I have recently been contacted by constituents who are concerned about the planning application submitted by the RFCA for Greater London to erect a 1.2m fence around the perimeter of Kenley Airfield.
As you may be aware, part of the proposed fence runs through my constituency and I am concerned that, if permission is granted, it will severely curtail the use of this popular destination for walkers and cyclists. It should also be noted that Kenley Airfield is in a Conservation Area and there are concerns that the fence will look unsightly and inappropriate in this setting.
I understand that there may be health and safety considerations in relation to RFCA’s use of the Airfield for gliding which have led to this application being lodged. I would therefore be grateful if you would provide me with further details on the perceived risk to the public resulting from access to this land. I would also be grateful if you would provide me with details of any relevant risk assessment or similar appraisal that has taken place and what consideration was given to alternative methods of protecting the public that use this area for recreational purposes.
I would also be interested to know what measures have been put forward to ensure that the fence does not undermine the Conservation Area status of the Airfield.
Given the strength of feeling in my constituency in relation to this planning application, I would be grateful if you would look again at both the necessity and proposed structure of the fence. I would welcome your comments on both aspects of this application.
I very much look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
PETER AINSWORTH MP
House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA
2) Details of the RFCA’s Application to Croydon Council to erect a 1.2m perimeter fence at Kenley Aerodrome (06/05232/LP) can be found using the following link: http://planning.croydon.gov.uk/DCOnlinePages/acolnetcgi.gov?ACTION=UNWRAP&RIPNAME=Root.PgeResultDetail&TheSystemkey=109943
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Press Release
Councillor Hilary Turner
Portley Ward – Tandridge District Council
6 Harestone Hill CATERHAM Surrey CR3 6SX
01883 343359 HilaryTurner@chalky-bank.co.uk
NEWS RELEASE -12th January 2007
PLAN TO FENCE OFF KENLEY AIRFIELD "A DISASTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
AND FOR HUNDREDS OF LEISURE USERS"
The RFCA (Reserve Forces and Cadets Association) for Greater London proposes to build a fence around almost the entire perimeter of Kenley Airfield. The RFCA, which uses the Airfield for gliding, is understood to say that the fence is needed "for health and safety reasons". Construction is due to start later this month.
Councillor Hilary Turner (Portley Ward, Tandridge District) says: "This fence would be a disaster. It would be built close to the outer edge of the concrete / tarmac perimeter track and would run for over a mile round the Airfield perimeter, with further fencing closing off the apron at the southern end. This would trap the many walkers and other leisure users of the Airfield into a narrow strip around the edge of the perimeter, and it would stop people from being able to make a circuit of the Airfield. The Airfield is hugely popular and is used by children learning to cycle away from the danger of road traffic and by many dog walkers, joggers and others.
"The 1.2m high fence will also look intrusive and unsightly and will seriously undermine the Airfield's Conservation Area status.
"I recognise that there are potential safety concerns but there has to be a better way to enable the hundreds of leisure users to continue to enjoy the freedom of the Airfield. I call upon the RFCA to withdraw the proposal for this fence and to hold discussions with Croydon and Tandridge Councils, the City of London Corporation (which manages Kenley Common)
and the Friends of Kenley Airfield."
Notes for Editors:
The Kenley Airfield site straddles the boundary between Croydon Borough and Tandridge District. The open part of the Airfield is in Croydon, while the buildings at the southern end are in Tandridge. The Airfield is in the Metropolitan Green Belt and was granted Conservation Area status a year ago.
Part of the Airfield land is managed by the City of London Corporation as part of Kenley Common. It is understood that the City Corporation's ability to manage the area would be adversely affected by the proposed fence.
The Airfield is used by many hundreds of walkers, dog-walkers, joggers, cyclists and other leisure users. They come to enjoy the uninterrupted open space of the Airfield, travelling mainly from the Kenley, Coulsdon, Caterham and Whyteleafe areas, but also from further afield. Use is particularly high during the summer months, when there are many daylight hours when gliding is not taking place. It is important for many users that they are able to make a full circuit of the Airfield.
Details of the proposal can be viewed at www.croydon.gov.uk > environment & planning > development > planning > online planning services > search the ... register > online planning register > advanced search > enter application number 06/05232/LP and click on the number and then on documents.
The cost of the fence is not known.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Press release by Tandridge District Council
Concerns over Kenley Airfield fence
Released on 16 January 2007Tandridge District Council has taken action over a proposed fence at Kenley Airfield. While most of the fence is in Croydon, part of it is in Tandridge.
The Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) applied to Croydon Council to find out if a 1.2m fence, enclosing much of the airfield, needs planning permission, but a short length of the proposed fence falls within Tandridge District Council's area, so a separate application needs to be made. Croydon Council and the RFCA have been advised of this.
Croydon and Tandridge Councils previously worked together to designate the historic former Battle of Britain fighter station as a Conservation Area.
Chairman of the Tandridge Development Control Committee, Councillor Ros Langham, said: "A separate application needs to be submitted to cover that part of the proposal in this district. Planning permission may not be required for the fence, but whether or not this is the case, Tandridge would welcome the opportunity to be represented at talks between the RFCA and Croydon Council. Hopefully a way can be found of increasing safety, without unacceptably affecting the special character of the Conservation Area."
====================================================--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note by ABC editor:
The detail shown of MOD's application by following the above is presented here for convenience and valid at 15th Jan 2007:
Individual comments on this application can be submitted to Croydon planning by following the eMail link at the end.
Details of Planning Application - 06/05232/LP
| Application Details | Documents | Consultation |
| Application Number: | 06/05232/LP |
|---|---|
| Application Type: | LDC (Proposed) Operations edged |
| Registration (Validation) Date: | No date |
| Earliest Decision Date (Consultation Period Expires): | No date |
| Location: | Kenley Aerodrome, Hayes Lane, Kenley |
| Ward: | Kenley |
| Proposal: | Erection of 1.2 metre high perimeter fence |
| Case Officer: | Natalie Glover |
| Case Officer Tel: | 020 8726 6800 Ext 62422 |
| Status: | Received |
| Agent: | IanSimpson |
| 28 Upper Park Road | |
| Belsize Park | |
| London | |
| NW3 2UT | |
| Applicant: | RFCA For Greater London |
| Fulham House | |
| 87 Fulham High Street | |
| London | |
| SW6 3JS | |
| Press Date: | No date |
| Site Notice Date: | No date |
| Neighbours | |
| and Representatives: | Click here for a list |
| Officer Site Visit Date: | No date |
| Committee Site Visit Date: | No date |
| Committee Meeting Date: | No date |
| Decision: | This case has not yet been decided |
| Appeal Received Date: | This case has no appeals against it |
planning.control@croydon.gov.uk including the Application Number, your name, address, comment and reason for interest.
Larger scale Map:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sample protest letters
Post or eMail to:
ministers@mod.uk together with your full postal address.
Rt Hon Des Browne, MP,
Secretary of State for Defence,
MOD Ministerial Correspondence Unit
5th Floor, Zone A
Main Building
Whitehall
London
SW1A 2HB
Dear Mr. Browne,
Yours sincerly
My address.
========================================================
CaterhamABC Letter
Rt Hon Des Browne, MP,
Secretary of State for Defence,
MOD Ministerial Correspondence Unit
5th Floor, Zone A
Main Building
Whitehall
London
SW1A 2HB
19th January 2007
Dear Mr. Browne,
My letter is both as an individual and as chair of the ABC A Better Caterham Project. It follows many expressions of concern over this matter, which have arisen during our consultation period on local issues in our area. As a result our web site contains a petition, a draft letter and background information on this new topic You are welcome to visit the web site below and take the Kenley/Spitfire link to our content on the issue.
http://www.caterhamabc.org.uk
Further support has come from:
Our local MP Mr Peter Ainsworth, who wrote to you asking for the fencing to be delayed until a review can take place.
Tandridge District Council who have called for talks to review other options.
The City of London Corporation wrote to Tandridge District Council expressing concern over erection of the fence.
Yours sincerely
Chris Windridge
Chair ABC A Better Caterham
Healthcheck project
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Caterham on the Hill Parish Council
The Rt Hon Des Browne MP
Secretary of State for Defence
Ministry of Defence
Whitehall
London
SW1A 2HB
20 January 2007
Ref: Croydon Borough Council Planning Application 06/05232/LP
Dear Secretary of State
Members of the Parish Council support the strong local opposition to this plan to erect a
perimeter fence around Kenley Airfield. They were delighted to learn that Croydon
Borough Council has imposed an Article 4 Direction withdrawing permitted development
rights to a proposal that they are convinced would destroy the character of a protected
local beauty spot and a national monument.
Set in a Conservation Area in the Green Belt, the fence as specified would be completely
out of character. Most disturbingly, it would seriously diminish Kenley’s importance as this
Country’s most complete and preserved World War II airfield.
Apart from historical and aesthetic considerations, the fence would spoil the pleasure of
local people who use the airfield perimeter path for leisure. The activities of walkers,
joggers and cyclists would be significantly constrained and views across the airfield would
be lost by its intrusive presence.
The application falls far short of striking a responsible and sympathetic balance between
health and safety concerns on the one hand, and the preservation of the character of a
treasured national asset, on the other. It is clear that, in planning the project, RFCA took
no account of environmental, cultural or historical factors; or of the depressing visual
impact which the proposed structure would present.
The main lesson emerging from this is surely that there must be much wider consultation
when major planning proposals that affect whole communities are being considered.
Fortunately, the imposition of an Article 4 order has made it possible for RFCA; the two
planning authorities involved; the City of London Corporation and other interested parties
to take account of the views of the public before the matter is determined.
Members of the Parish Council ask that you intervene to stop the erection of the fence
and urge RFCA and those involved in negotiations to take cognisance of the views of
those who value their environment and take great pride in the special character and
history of their community.
John Rigby
Clerk to the Council
3 Ardshiel Drive
Redhill Tel: 01737 770430
Surrey Fax: 01737 217169
RH1 6QN
E-mail: caterhamhillpc@msn.com
================================================
Short background Article on Kenley Airfield
By Peter Brent
An important Caterham Heritage Initiative is Kenley Airfield which is now a Conservation Area for which responsibility is shared jointly between Tandridge District Council and Croydon Council, which covers Kenley.
Many of the Royal Air Force’s World War II airfields have now fallen prey to developers who have covered them with housing estates. However, Caterham on Hill is fortunate to have on its doorstep RAF Kenley, which, according to English Heritage, is “the most complete fighter airfield associated with the Battle of Britain to have survived”.
Opened in the summer of 1917 as No. 7 Aircraft Acceptance Park, fighter squadrons were based at RAF Kenley from 1918. The station was partly rebuilt in 1920 and 1932-34, and in 1939 concrete runways were laid.
In 1940, RAF Kenley became Sector Station HQ for B Sector, 11 Group, Fighter Command. It was one of the most important fighter stations during the Battle of Britain and throughout most of the war. Together with Croydon Airport and Biggin Hill, RAF Kenley was responsible for the air defence of London. In early 1940, RAF command was located opposite what is now Caterham Close but had to be moved because of the danger of being hit by German bombs. The last operation was flown on March 13, 1944 after which the station was closed to flying due to the proximity of the barrage balloon defence against German flying bombs.
During the Second World War, RAF Kenley was the temporary home for a large number of pilots who flew missions from which many failed to return. Apart from the British airmen, RAF Kenley was the base for squadrons from Czechoslovakia, Poland, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the United States, France and Belgium. Many of these pilots were billeted in the houses around Salmons Lane Green.
After the war, communications and observation flights continued from RAF Kenley. The station was finally closed on May 1st, 1959 as it was too small to accommodate the modern day jet fighter.
RAF Kenley had another life as the setting for the films ‘Angels One Five’ and ‘Reach for the Sky’ which were filmed at the airfield in 1953 and 1956.
Kenley Airfield now hosts 615 Volunteer Gliding Squadron which serves the Kent, Sussex and Surrey Wings of the ATC and CCF. It is also the home to the Surrey Hills Gliding Club.
]
Unfortunately, Kenley has lost many of the buildings associated with its wartime role. Its remaining hangars were knocked down in 1978 after a fire; the control tower was also demolished at the same time. Most of the perimeter pillboxes were knocked down in 1984.
Now through the Conservation Area, Tandridge District Council has committed itself to preserving Kenley Airfield. The Council’s Conservation Area Statement says that any developments should not compromise the integrity of the airfield as a whole, that buildings within the Conservation Area should be kept in a good state of repair, that views in and out of the airfield should be protected and enhanced, that the Conservation Area should not be considered in isolation but should be seen as integrated with the surrounding area and that development on nearby sites should also take account the effect on the Conservation Area.
Within the Tandridge part of the Conservation Area at Caterham on the Hill, a number of important buildings remain. These include two Grade II Listed buildings – the Officers’ Mess and the NAAFI - as well as the squash court, a machine gun emplacement, a substantial underground air raid shelter and the Portcullis Club which are all of historic interest.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)