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.
Rest 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
Notes to Editors:
1) the full text of Peter Ainsworth’s letter is as follows:
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
2) Details of the RFCA’s Application to Croydon Council to erect a 1.2m perimeter fence here. |
