Pages 20-43 - Doncaster Sheffield Airport

Figure 3.1: Regional Accessibility
Important A-roads
Motorway
Rail Lines
Proposed RHADS
Rail Station
Rail Station
WORKSOP
DONCASTER
INTERNATIONAL
RAIL PORT
DONCASTER
Doncaster Transport
Interchange
To London
MISSON
EPWORTH
MISTERTON
Gainsborough
To Lincoln
R
P
L
A
N
East Coast Main Line
To London
RETFORD
EVERTON
FINNINGLEY
AUCKLEY
AUSTERFIELD
BRANTON
CANTLEY
ARMTHORPE
To Scunthorpe / Grimsby / Immingham
To Grimsby
E
To London
CONISBROUGH
BENTLEY
GOOLE
T
To Manchester
ROTHERHAM
MEXBOROUGH
SOUTH ELMSALL
STAINFORTH
MOORENDS
To Hull / Humber Ports
To Hull / Humber Ports
S
MEADOWHALL
35A
BARNSLEY
WAKEFIELD
To Leeds
East Coast Main Line
To York / Edinburgh
A
PEAK
DISTRICT
A616
Termini of direct bus
services to RHADS
To Manchester
BARNSLEY
Doncaster to
RHADS QBC
FARRRS Link
KEY:
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Robin Hood Airport
3. Doncaster Sheffield Today
Location and Accessibility
3.1
3.2
The Airport is located 5 miles to the south-east
Doncaster is an important transport hub within
of the town centre in the vicinity of the
the UK and historically its growth has been
settlements of Auckley and Finningley. It is
closely associated with the development of
within 20 minutes drive-time of five major
strategic road and rail connections (see Figure
motorways: the M1, M18, M180, M62 and the
3.1 - Regional Accessibility). The town is
A1(M), making excellent regional and national
located along the main East Coast transport
road connections (see Figure 3.1). Doncaster is
corridor linking London to Edinburgh. Doncaster
also located close to the East-West transport
was a staging post on the Great North Road,
routes linking the North West of England and
one of the UK’s oldest and most important
Northern Europe via the East Coast ports of
trade routes, and the A1(M) loosely follows the
Hull, Immingham, Grimsby and Goole, known
route today. The Road ran through the centre of
as the North European Trade Axis (NETA) - see
the town and its Mansion House mirrored those
Figure 3.2. The Airport gives the region the
of London and Edinburgh, the only three such
potential to develop further global international
public buildings in the country. Likewise, the
connections. It is now viewed by many as the
airport for the Sheffield City Region, and
adjoining areas.
3.3
Sheffield is the principal City of South Yorkshire.
It has major shopping facilities in the City
Centre, Meadowhall and two Universities15. It is
internationally known for Sheffield cutlery and its
specialist steel industry remains a world leader,
providing expertise to the aeronautical industries
sector, amongst others.
3.4
The Airport is currently served by three bus
services that link the Airport and Doncaster
East Coast Main Line provides an important
North/South rail link through the region.
Doncaster developed as a railway town and the
railway workshops were famed for the
construction of the Flying Scotsman in 1923.
Doncaster Station is a key station on the East
Coast Main Line and the adjacent Transport
Interchange incorporates the local bus network,
including a dedicated bus stand for the Airport,
allowing multi-modal connections. The Doncaster
International Rail Port is an important part of the
town’s trade infrastructure for rail freight.
15 Sheffield University and Sheffield Hallam University.
21
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3.5
Transport Interchange, including the 91 service,
Junction 1 of the M180 via the A18 and A614 to
and the X19 express service to Barnsley. The
Blaxton and hence via Mosham Road and
Airport is also accessed by a further five
Gatehouse Lane to enter the Airport site at
services that serve the smaller villages and
Hayfield Lane. From the South, traffic travelling
towns that surround the Airport, including
up the A1(M) is signed to leave at the newly
Worksop, Retford, Bawtry, Epworth and
constructed Blyth Interchange (Junction 34) and
Thorne/Moorends. These include express
travels through Bawtry on the A638 to Hurst
services called the Robin Hood Lynx, serving
Lane. Traffic from Lincolnshire via the A631 joins
North Nottinghamshire.
the A638 at Bawtry
Doncaster’s rail network offers high speed
3.7
Immediately to the north east of the airfield is
connections on the East Coast Main Line with
the village of Finningley with the village of Blaxton
a journey time of 88 minutes to London King's
less than a mile further north (see Plan 1 -
Cross and around three hours to Edinburgh.
Airport Location). Located to the north west of
The TransPennine Express also runs through
the airfield is Hayfield Village and Hayfield Green
Doncaster and is the primary East-West route
(the southernmost area of Auckley), which
across the North of England with a journey time
comprises the former RAF residential quarters.
of 25 minutes to Sheffield. The 91 bus service
Beyond Auckley lies Branton, whilst two miles
connects the Interchange to the Airport via the
south of the airfield lies the market town of
villages of Cantley, Branton and Auckley.
Bawtry and the village of Austerfield. To the
north of the airfield is the Doncaster to Lincoln
3.6
The principal route to the Airport from Doncaster
railway line, which forms part of the Airport’s
by road is currently Bawtry Road (A638) from the
northern boundary. The airfield or surrounding
town centre and then via Hurst Lane, entering
villages are not currently served by the railway,
the Airport via the Airport Access Route (AAR).
but a temporary station was utilised in the days
Traffic from the South Yorkshire conurbation will
of the Finningley Air Show. Proposals are in
take this route, leaving the A1(M) at Junctions 3
place to create an Airport Station on the line
or 4 (the latter being the currently signed exit).
(see Chapter 9).
From the North, the Airport is signed from
Figure 3.2 North European Trade Axis
�
North European Trade Ax
Sea Crossings
Rail / road /
inland waterway invest
Complementary cluster
development
Major cities
Port node, with inland
infrastructure investm
Key intersectors
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3.8
Two miles to the west of the Airport is the
designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest
settlement of Rossington and New Rossington.
(SSSI), including Hatfield Moors and Thorne
With a population of about 13,500, it developed
Crowle and Goole Moors, both areas of peat
around the Rossington Colliery, part of a
moorland. The River Idle Washlands, west and
settlement pattern which characterises the
south of Bawtry, and the Potteric Carr Nature
South Yorkshire Coalfield and particularly the
Reserve, near Lakeside in Doncaster, provide
areas around Doncaster. Similar settlements
valuable mixed habitat environments.
include Armthorpe, Hatfield, Thorne, Adwick,
3.9
Bentley and Stainforth. Similarly in North
Historical Development
Nottinghamshire are the mining settlements of
3.11
Doncaster has played an historic role in the
Harworth and Maltby. Over the years, the
story of flight and, indeed, the Race Course
pitheads closed, including Rossington in 2006.
was the venue of the first aviation meeting held
To some extent they are still adjusting to the
in England in 1909, only six years after Orville
loss of this major industry and display high
Wright took off at Kittyhawk, North Carolina.
levels of deprivation.
The event proved a great attraction.
There are a number of historic small towns
nearby, including Bawtry, Tickhill and
Gainsborough and attractive villages. The
County of Nottinghamshire is less than a mile
to the east with a landscape of scattered
villages, such as Misson, Misterton and Everton.
Lincolnshire is also close, with the historic City
of Lincoln and Epworth, the birthplace of John
Wesley, is a local tourist attraction. Other areas
of interest include the cities of Sheffield, Hull
and York, the Peak District and North Yorkshire.
3.10
The Airport is located on the western edge
of what is termed the Humberhead Levels, an
area of flat low lying landscape. Indigenous
heath and woodland has made way for
3.12
In 1934, Doncaster Aerodrome opened south of
intensive agriculture and more recently gravel
the Race Course, on what is now the site of the
extraction. There are a number of woodland
Lakeside development. The 100 acre site was
and water areas in the immediate vicinity of the
opened by Mayor Councillor Bone, who said:
airfield that have been given a local designation
as Sites of Special Interest (SSI). These include
“Here in Doncaster, we have one of the finest
Finningley Big Wood, Hurst Wood and Hurst
aerodromes in the country and it is up to us to
Plantation (see Plan 2 - Woodland Structure).
boost this place as much as we can. Flying is a
These serve to screen the airfield from many
wonderful experience.”
viewpoints and provide the core for the
development of a Strategic Landscape/
The Corporation were trying to make the airfield
Woodland Framework (see Chapter 7).
bigger. “It may take 10 or 15 years. When
Slightly further afield are a number of nationally
complete, it will have a hotel and hangars and
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offer every comfort for passengers.” It was not
location, to protect the East Coast and the
long before the first scheduled service -
industrial towns of Yorkshire, was key in its
Doncaster to London - was promoted. The
development. In those days, three adjacent
aircraft was a bi-plane, the DeHavilland Dragon,
fields provided a landing ground for Auro 504
and the opening ceremony, at which it was
fighters of No. 33 Squadron.
named “Spirit of Doncaster”, was performed by
Councillor Bone. Sadly, despite the Mayor’s
3.15
The airfield was established as RAF Finningley in
obvious enthusiasm and the size of the crowds
1936 on 433 acres of land to the south west of
which came to watch, the service to London
Finningley village. Reflecting its location astride
did not last long. Nevertheless, as the Mayor
the border of Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire,
had promised, buildings began to appear on
the badge was to be the white rose of Yorkshire
the airfield and pleasure flights became
and a sprig of oak. The development comprised
available. Soon there was a control tower and
five hangars and temporary accommodation,
customs facilities. There were several
configured to the RAF’s favoured three runway
companies who sought to put Doncaster on the
arrangement. It was initially part of No. 3 Group
international air map, among them KLM, the
of Bomber Command and the home of the
Dutch airline, who arranged that their service
RAF’s last bi-plane bomber, the Heyford. As the
from Amsterdam to Liverpool should stop at
base developed, administration and further
Doncaster. Again, there was civic enthusiasm.
accommodation was constructed to the north
The new Mayor, Councillor Johnson, and
and west of the hangars along with bomb
16
Mayoress, enjoyed a flight to Amsterdam.
stores to the south west. Within two years of
opening (1938), over 400 personnel were
3.13
The recognition of the civilian potential of RAF
housed at the site.
Finningley was speculated upon as early as the
1960s. Questions were asked in the House of
3.16
Early operations included mine laying at enemy
Commons in 1964 and 1965 by local MPs. In
ports using Handley Page Hampdens.
1969, Doncaster’s Industrial Development
Throughout the Second World War, the site was
Officer commented upon the potential of the
continuously upgraded to improve its
site and said that it “would annoy fewer people
operational capability and, by the end of the
than other international airport plans” due to its
War, around 10,000 personnel were on site
favourable location. The airfield was well used
operating a range of aircraft including
by civilian aircraft and a parking area was
Lancasters (including the famous Able-Mable),
allocated to the west of the runway at the
Hurricanes and Spitfires. The site was twice
northern end of the site. The mess and
subject to bombing raids, but damage was
buildings of the Sheffield University Air
limited. From 1941, the station focus changed
Squadron were also located in this area.
to that of an Operational Training Unit (OTU),
As with most RAF sites, general and business
including Blind Approach Training of bomber
aviation was accepted.
crews. However, the airfield did provide 30
Wellingtons for the thousand bomber raid of
3.14
The airfield is steeped in military history and
Germany in May 1942. During four years at
dates back to 1915 when the Royal Flying
Finningley, No. 18 and 25 OTU had prepared
Corps were temporarily located at Bancroft
more than 10,000 air crew for war duties.
Farm near Finningley. The site’s strategic
16 “Aviation in Doncaster 1909-1992”, Geoffrey Oakes (1995).
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The airfield was also home for a period to
3.17
In May 1946, the No. 616 South Yorkshire
Wessex and Sea King helicopter squadrons.
Squadron equipped with Mosquito
Towards the end of this period, the level of
night fighters, was formed as
training carried out meant that the airfield was
an auxiliary force from local
the second busiest in the UK for aircraft
men, commencing a long
movements, second only to London Heathrow.
association with Finningley.
The site was transferred to
Flying Training Command
in 1947. In the mid1950s, the airfield was
upgraded, the main
runway expanded to its
current length and
atomic weapons stores were
constructed in response to the escalating Cold
War crisis. The base re-opened in 1957 and
became the home of the Avro Vulcan bomber
and a squadron of Vickers Valiants became
3.19
Over the course of almost 50 years, RAF
operational a year later. RAF Finningley became
Finningley became home to one of the largest
famous for its V-bombers.
international air shows, with the first being held
in September 1945. For 20 years, the site was
home to the Battle of Britain Air display, the
largest one day air show in the UK. Over the
years, the events attracted huge crowds, of
100,000 on occasion, and received national
television coverage. Finningley also hosted the
Queen’s Silver Jubilee Review in 1979, when she
presented new colours to the RAF.
3.20
Despite significant investment in the late 1980s,
including a resurfacing of the Runway, it was
announced that as part of the “Front Line First”
3.18
As Polaris took over the deterrent role by the
defence cuts in 1994 that RAF Finningley would
late 1960s, training again assumed the central
be decommissioned. The station flag was
function. The site became the largest training
lowered two years later in April 1996.
base in the RAF and in the 1970s all RAF
navigators studied at Finningley’s Air Navigation
3.21
In March 2006, on the tenth anniversary of the
School (ANS). A number of different aircraft
RAF flag being lowered, a memorial garden
types were based at Finningley for training,
was unveiled in commemoration of the 70
including the Vickers Varsity, Jet Provost,
years of RAF history at the site and also in
Handley Page Jetstream, Hawker Siddeley
recognition of the change of “custodianship” to
Hawk and Dominie and Shorts Tucanos.
the commercial aviation industry. The Service
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was conducted by The Reverend Dr. David
3.23
Finningley was remarketed by Drivers Jonas
Ottewell. The garden, which is opposite the
for DEO in July 1997. Peel Airports submitted
Terminal, is enclosed by the wrought iron gates
a bid comprising a brochure including details
that previously formed the main entrance to
of its airport and development experience and
RAF Finningley. It features a stone pillar topped
an outline of its proposal comprising a
by an RAF eagle, which has upon it the names
commercial airport with associated employment
of all the squadrons that flew from the airfield,
and other related development. Other bids
situated alongside is a stainless steel sculpture,
included proposals for a quarry or industrial
called the “Aviator”, created by local artist,
development. Following a structured interview
Geoffrey Way, which both reflects the local
process, Peel was announced as the preferred
association with the steel industry and
bidder on 18 September 1998. The press
represents the next stage in the site’s
announcements of the DEO recognised the
association with aviation.
considerable work that had taken place
during the bid process by Peel to ensure that
From Military to Civilian Use
its scheme reflected the key issues of
3.22
Government policy.
The site was offered for sale by Drivers Jonas
for the Defence Estates Organisation (DEO) in
August 1996 and interest was expressed by
“Defence Minister John Spellar announced
a number of groups. Peel Airports Limited did
today that as a result of a searching selection
not exist at this time and therefore were not
process, Peel Holdings plc has been selected
bidders. However, notice was then served by
as the preferred purchaser for RAF Finningley,
the Home Office for the part of the site north
near Doncaster. Subject to the necessary
of Hayfield Lane to be made available for a new
planning consents, the site should now be
prison. The property was withdrawn from the
developed as a major commercial airport.
market. This was not popular locally. An
A number of high quality schemes for re-use
objectors group, Doncaster Against More
of the site were put forward by several leading
Prisons collected a petition against the
consortia and there were strong local
proposal. In the face of local discontent, the
aspirations to see an airport established.
prison proposal was withdrawn in April 1997.
It was concluded that Peel Holdings’ proposals
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would best ensure that the Finningley’s aviation
military aviation uses, including aircraft
potential was developed, providing the region
engineering and maintenance workshops,
with a major new facility and other economic
flight training facilities, fuel storage, safety,
benefits.”
navigation, emergency services and ancillary
activities.
3.24
A due diligence process for the sale of the site
by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) followed and
The construction of a new terminal for
in June 1999, Peel Airports Ltd became the
passenger and baggage handling, including
new owners of the airfield.
offices (B1), retail (A1, A2), food and drink (A3)
and administrative and regulatory facilities.
3.25
Peel had meanwhile commenced the preparation
of a planning application. A public exhibition was
Airport related development for offices, research
held on site on 9 April 1999 to display the
and development and light industry (B1),
proposed airport scheme in association with a
general industry (B2), storage and distribution
scoping exercise for the Environmental Impact
(B3), hotel (C1) and leisure (D1) uses (including
Assessment (EIA). It was estimated at the time
sportsfield).
that about 5,000 people attended.
Transportation infrastructure, including highway
3.26
Meanwhile, the Doncaster Metropolitan
improvements, the provision of car parking and
Borough Council (DMBC) also conducted
the construction of a new rail link, new railway
their own consultation exercise on an updated
station and bus/public transport interchange.
version of the Planning Brief originally prepared
with Drivers Jonas. This was adopted by the
Landscaping and bunding.
Local Planning Authority in June 1999 and still
3.27
provides a sound policy framework for the
Residential development and conversion of
development of the site (see Chapter 4).
existing buildings for residential purposes.”
Peel’s plans for the development of a regional
3.28
There followed a thorough consideration of the
airport at Finningley, including a Masterplan to
application by DMBC and other stakeholders,
2014 (see Chapter 7), were submitted to DMBC
including statutory consultees. The Development
in December 1999. The planning application
Planning Committee resolved to approve the
comprised the following elements:
plans in January 2001 and the application was
“The redevelopment of Finningley airfield for the
‘called in’ by the Office of the Deputy Prime
purposes of a commercial airport with airport
Minister for a Public Inquiry in March 2001. The
related business, leisure and hotel activities.
Public Inquiry began in September 2001 and
closed in March 2002 with an Inspector’s Report
Use (including where appropriate change
issued later in 2002. On 3 April 2003, Peel
of use) of existing airfield infrastructure and
Airports Limited received the go-ahead. The
buildings and the construction of new buildings,
operations of the Airport have to comply with the
infrastructure and hard-standings (including
Conditions set out in that permission and the
aprons and pavements) to provide for
terms of a Section 106 Agreement entered into
commercial, passenger, freight storage and
with DMBC at the end of the Inquiry.
distribution, business, general aviation and
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3.29
The economic benefits of the proposal were an
proposal outweigh the likely environmental dis-
important aspect of the Inspector’s conclusion
benefits. Therefore I judge that in principle,
and he said in his Report:
the factors supporting the grant of planning
permission outweigh those against.”17
“There is no pressing “aviation need” for the
proposed airport, in the sense of a shortfall in
3.30
The First Secretary of State in granting planning
capacity at other airports causing a situation
permission accepted these conclusions and
requiring relief. However, the proposal (the
noted:
Airport and the other elements of the
development) would greatly help to meet a
“In coming to this view, the Secretary of State
need for economic regeneration, would create
has very carefully considered the economic and
several thousand jobs and could be an
other arguments in favour of the permission
important economic catalyst in an area which
being granted and weighed them against the
lacks growth sector industries.
environmental and other impacts that the grant
of permission for redevelopment of the airfield
The proposed airport would enable people
as a commercial airport will have. In reaching
and businesses in its catchment area to have
his decision, the Secretary of State has
increased choice and convenience for air travel.
concluded that, with strict controls in place,
The same would apply to inbound travel.
the benefits of a commercial airport to the local
The proposal would create noise, mainly from
and regional economy and to airlines and
aircraft movements, but also from other activity
passengers will outweigh the environmental
such as surface traffic. In places, the amenities
and other dis-benefits associated with the
of local people would be adversely affected.
commercial airport.”18
Mitigation measures, such as a soundproofing
scheme, would help, but would not overcome
the problem.
3.31
He noted that the Planning Brief provided
supplementary planning guidance and agreed
with the statement of the Inspector when he
In essence, it is necessary to strike a balance
said “I judge that the Planning Brief in this
between, on the one hand, the adverse
instance was properly prepared, derives from
environmental impact from the proposed
the development plan and has substantial
airport (principally noise) and, on the other
weight.”19 In reaching his decision, the First
hand, beneficial effects (principally economic
Secretary of State also took account of the
regeneration). The decision will depend crucially
international, national and regional context
on the weight placed on those issues.
provided by the Objective One European
Applying the principles of a “plan led system”,
I consider that the UDP is an important guide.
It accords primacy to the need for economic
regeneration.
Taking that into account, together with the
prospect of control being achievable over many
of the adverse effects of the development, I
find that the likely economic benefits of the
17 Report to the First Secretary or State by Graham Self MA MSc
(Eng), DipIC, FRTPI; Deputy Inspector, Neil Roberts BA, DipTP,
MRTPI; Assessor Christopher Frost BSc, Dip LD, FLI, CBiol, MBiol,
MRTPI. Application for Planning Permission by Peel Airports
(Finningley) Ltd, Land at Hayfield Lane, Finningley, paras 13.28213.285.
18 Decision letter - Application by Peel Airports (Finningley) Ltd for
Redevelopment of Finningley Airfield for the purposes of a
Commercial Airport with Airport Related Business, Leisure and
Hotel Activities; Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (3 April 2003),
para 8.
19 ibid, para 19.
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Structural Fund status of South Yorkshire
of the Earth. A consortium also objected on
and Regional Planning Guidance for Yorkshire
behalf of Manchester Airport Group
and Humber to 2016 (RPG 12)20.
(Manchester Airport, East Midlands
International Airport, Humberside International
3.32
He also concluded, importantly, that the site
Airport) and Leeds Bradford International
was a sustainable location for the housing
Airport.
elements of the scheme (see para 9.61 below)
and that albeit not specifically allocated for
3.35
During the planning process, aviation
employment uses in the UDP, that “… as a
infrastructure was maintained, including
source of new employment capable of
the Runway. A programme of building
benefiting Regeneration Priority Areas, the site
refurbishment and repair was put in place.
would meet other general and employment
related UDP policies. The First Secretary of
3.36
Much of the building stock, albeit some of it
State is satisfied from the evidence at the
such as the hangars dates back to 1936,
Inquiry (mainly document DMBC1) that the
proved to be solid and adaptable and of a high
proposed Class B1 employment use in relation
standard. The range of building size attracted
to Area 7 will not conflict with national planning
a range of tenants. In Armstrong House, the
21
policy.”
former ANS, companies or individual business
people took individual rooms or suites of rooms
3.33
It is worthwhile recording the significant support
akin to a business centre. The site performed
expressed at the Public Inquiry by many
a valuable role as a nursery for small
organisations, private companies and residents.
businesses during this period, a role it has
Amongst those who appeared to give evidence
continued to play.
were the Don Valley Constituency MP Mrs
Caroline Flint MP, John Mann MP (Bassetlaw
3.37
Construction began in 2004 and following
Constituency), Doncaster Secondary Schools,
an £80 million investment in facilities and
Doncaster Chamber of Commerce,
infrastructure by Peel Airports (supported by
Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce, the
the South Yorkshire Objective One
Engineering Employers Federation, Ward
Programme), the airfield was transformed into
Councillor Mrs Y Woodcock, Yorkshire Tourist
a facility for commercial aviation. A state of the
Board and transport operator Wilfreda Beehive
art “future proofed” Terminal building was built
and a number of individuals. A group called
and landside facilities, including new access
‘Finningley Locals say Yes to Airport’ (FLY) were
roads, passenger car parking facilities and
enthusiastic in their support, attending every
public transport areas provided. Airside
day of the Inquiry and they submitted
development saw the creation of a main
significant evidence, including more than
passenger apron, water treatment works, fire
47,000 letters of support addressed to the
station, fire training rig, fuel farm, airside village,
Inspector.
engine test area and an overhaul of the control
tower.
3.34
It should also be recognised that not all local
residents were in favour and groups
representing objectors at the Inquiry included
Finningley Airport Network, Residents Airport
Watch, as well as the national group, Friends
20 ibid, para 20.
21 ibid, para 65.
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Current Passenger Services
European City and Sun destinations including
Scheduled Services
Alicante, Amsterdam, Belfast, Barcelona,
3.38
In 2004, it was announced that newly launched
Dublin, Faro, Palma and Prague and Warsaw.
low cost airline Thomsonfly and sister Charter
Wizz Air has established RHADS as the 2nd
company Thomson Holidays would become
largest UK base in terms of destinations served
the Airport’s launch carriers and based 4 B737
with 5 routes to Poland. The summer 2010
aircraft at the Airport from April 2005. From
scheduled services route map is shown at
opening, the two airlines served 11 scheduled
Figure 3.3.
destinations including Amsterdam, Palma and
Faro and a further 16 charter destinations along
with a program of long haul services to the US,
Mexico and the Caribbean that followed in
Summer 2006. Thomson merged with First
Choice in 2007 to form TUI Travel with RHADS
establishing itself as a leading base for the
group.
Scheduled Destinations 2010
Alicante
Amsterdam
Barcelona (Girona)
Belfast City
Dublin
Faro
Gdansk
Ibiza
3.39
Also available at launch was a daily service
Jersey
to Dublin operated by Ryanair, who later added
Katowice (Krakow)
services to a number of Mediterranean
Majorca
destinations. Growth has been provided by
Malaga
Flybe and Wizz Air and more recently easyJet
Prague
and Aer Lingus Regional provided a range of
Poznan
scheduled low cost and regional services to
Warsaw
Wroclaw
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Figure 3.3 Scheduled Services Route Map
Belfast
Dublin
Gdansk
Amsterdam
Jersey
Poznan Warsaw
Wroclaw
Prague Katowice
Barcelona
Majorca
Tenerife
Arrecife
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Charter Services
Fly Cruise departures. The Airport’s runway
3.40
As the launch carrier, Thomson Holidays still
allows direct departures to the Caribbean to
provides the majority of charter services from
serve cruises for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines,
RHADS to destinations across the
Princess Cruises and P&O Cruise Lines with
Mediterranean, North Africa and the Canary
flights typically operated by Thomsonfly or
Islands. Following the Thomson / Fist Choice
Monarch.
merger, RHADS has further entrenched its
position as a significant charter operation for
3.42
Other niche sectors include winter departures
TUI Travel with less emphasis on seat only.
to Lapland and charter flights for sports events
Thomas Cook, Balkan Holidays and Holidays4U
including England football internationals and
are the other major tour operators operating
rugby fixtures.
flights from the Airport. RHADS has been a
number of charter airlines operating on behalf of
tour operators and has welcomed Thomson
Airways, Thomas Cook Airways, Onur Air,
Charter Destinations (2010 Summer Schedule)
Alicante
Antalya
Pegasus Airlines, Air Europa, Nouvelair and BH
Arrecife
Air. The spring 2010 charter service route map
Bodrum
is shown at Figure 3.4.
Bourgas
Corfu
3.41
The Airport is also developing a number of
Dalaman
niche market sectors including the popular
Faro
Figure 3.4 Charter Services Route Map
Barbados
Fort Lauderdale
Miami
Montego Bay
Lake Garda
Turin
New Orleans
Salzburg
Bourgas
Menorca
Mahon
Majorca
Corfu
Monastir
Tenerife Lanzarote
Las Palmas Arrecife
Zante
Bodrum
Antalya
Kos
Dalaman Larnaca
Heraklion
Rhodes
Paphos
Sharm el-Sheikh
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Gran Canaria
Cargo Services
Heraklion
3.43
Although the Airport has yet to establish
Ibiza
scheduled freighter services, it has been
Kos
successful in the ad-hoc charter market and to
Lake Garda
date has handled over 60 specialist operations
Lanzarote
and over 3,000 tonnes with cargoes as diverse
Lapland
as racehorses, pharmaceuticals and oil rig
Larnaca
equipment. Perishables handled include fresh
Las Palmas
flowers from Florida and the export of
Mahon
Bridlington lobsters to the Costa del Sol. In its
Majorca
first year of operation the Airport also attracted
Menorca
the prestigious Beaujolais Run, operated by
Malaga
British Airways World Cargo, using Boeing 747
Monastir
aircraft, which carried over 360 tonnes in two
Paphos
days. Another recent visitor has been one of the
Reus
world’s largest aircraft, the Antonov (AN-124).
Rhodes
It was hired by local Scunthorpe company,
Salzburg
Euro Plant Supplies Ltd, to transport
Sharm El Sheik
construction equipment to construct access
Tenerife
roads to a major new ion ore mine in Guinea,
Zante
Africa. Freight forwarder and logistics provider,
GX Danbrit, a company based in Goole, closely
Fly Cruise Destinations Include:
Barbados
Fort Lauderdale
Miami
Montengo Bay
New Orleans
linked to the maritime ports cluster on
Humberside, has received IATA accreditation at
RHADS.
3.44
The development of cargo is logistically
supported by Cargo Handling Centre (CHC),
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who operate from Hangar 1. CHC has been
Robin Hood Branding
pro-active in developing business, initially
3.48
The naming of Robin Hood Airport generated
through a freight trucking company. This activity,
huge reaction locally, nationally and
whereby freight is consolidated and distributed
internationally, with interest coming from China,
onwards, has created interest within the freight
Singapore, India, Canada, the USA and across
forwarding community. It will complement the
Europe. Robin Hood retains world-wide
activities of other operators in the Yorkshire
recognition, with young and old having heard
and Humber Region, who have historically
the name. Academic and historical evidence
tended to be based in Sheffield.
supports the choice of the name and a great
number of Robin Hood related sites are to be
General and Business Aviation
found nearby. The name was chosen because
3.45
There are a large number of events and venues
of strong Robin Hood associations with both
that are already attracting substantial inbound
Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire.
GBA traffic at RHADS. Several prestigious sport
and leisure events take place within the Region,
3.49
Local historian David Greenwood, who has
including the St Leger horse race at Doncaster
spent his entire life painstakingly researching
Racecorse and the Snooker World
the true origins of Robin Hood23. The real history
Championship at the Crucible in Sheffield. There
originates from three lengthy poems from the
are also high profile music concerts in Sheffield.
1320s, called Robin Hood and the Potter, Robin
Visitors to the major conference venues across
Hood and the Monk and the Little Geste of
the region also contribute to the growth of the
Robin Hood - the best known and probably
GBA sector at RHADS.
written by Richard Rolle of Hampole Priory.
From its opening line “Robin Hood in Barnsdale
3.46
The Airport caters for a variety of flights
stood and leaned him to a tree” , the poems
organised by the military services, Police and
unveil rich plots and sub-plots, featuring many
Government Agencies, including by aid and
of Yorkshire’s castles, including Scarborough,
refugee agencies for humanitarian purposes.
Conisbrough and Tickhill, as well as, of course,
There is also an annual flight to Lourdes
Nottingham, right through to Robin’s death at
organised by local churches.
Kirklees Priory in Calderdale. Key to the piece
are the marauding Scots army, fresh from
3.47
Directions Finningley lead the creation of a
victory at Bannockburn in 1314 (they eventually
“National Aerospace Academy”, which was
drove Robin south to Nottinghamshire) and
officially launched in Autumn 2007. It is
battles between King Edward II and his rival for
envisaged that a Centre of Excellence for
the English throne, his cousin, Thomas of
Aviation Training will be created in addition to
Lancaster. Thomas’s army, largely Robin’s band
an EASA 14722 approved Maintenance Repair
of 143 “men in the Lincoln Green”, and
and Overhaul (MRO) facility. The Academy has
including Little John, Will Scarlet and Much the
now attracted BAE Systems who are offering
Miller, were a tour de force, laying siege to
extensive training opportunities in aircraft
several castles and capturing the King’s lover,
maintenance. Since 2009, similar opportunities
Piers Gaveston at Scarborough Castle. They
have been opened up by Kinch Avation
used the dubious authority of the Ordinances
Services operating out of Hanger 2 (see
to sentence him to death for treason.
Chapter 5).
22 European Aviation Safety Authority.
23 “The Origins of Robin Hood”, David Greenwood (July 2004).
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After defeat by the Scots at Byland Abbey in
the early 14th century in Yorkshire and in
1322, the King’s Sheriffs, including the Sheriff
Nottinghamshire.
of Nottingham (Yorkshireman, Henry de
Faucumberg) were instructed to find the best
3.51
3.52
The aerodrome also historically straddled the
archers in the land to replenish his army.
Notts/Yorks County Boundary. Finningley
The King then pursued, caught and beheaded
Village was a part of Nottinghamshire, only
Thomas of Lancaster following the Battle of
being taken into South Yorkshire on Local
Boroughbridge (1322). These events made
Government reorganisation in 1974. The RAF
Robin an outlaw, raising finances through any
Crest with its depiction of a white rose and an
manner of means, including by demand at the
oak sprig drew from this ancestry. The name
roadside. Since Robin’s army could not make
Robin Hood uniquely reflects these connections
allies with either the English or the Scots, they
with Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and also
truly became complete outlaws.
Lincolnshire.
Robin became a legend through his archery,
3.53
The name also assists in promoting inbound
leadership and his evasiveness. Over the
tourism and the Airport recognises the role it
centuries, playwrights, including Shakespeare,
can play in contributing to promoting local
and, more recently, Hollywood writers, have
attractions. The Airport has launched its
added stories and characters along the way,
own branded tourism website
such as Maid Marion and Friar Tuck, but the
(robinhoodairporttourism.com) that
original poems are based on factual events in
highlights the cross-regional tourism offer.
3.54
In February 2007, the Airport commissioned a
10ft bronze statue of Robin Hood by the sculptor
Neale Andrew ARBS. Located on the first floor
of the Terminal building and visible to all
departing passengers, the statue was unveiled
by local actors, Sean Bean and Brian Blessed,
and generated national media coverage.
3.55
It is probably unique that an area can claim to
be instrumental in the birth of a nation and also
boast the origins of a several religious faiths
whose present followers are measured in the
hundreds of millions worldwide. The area around
RHADS can claim exactly that distinction – the
country that emerged was the United States
of America and the religious faiths were those
nonconformist denominations, resulting from
the Reformation, which grew in the 1600’s.
3.56
In 1620, following the epic voyage of the
Mayflower, the Pilgrim Fathers landed at Cape
Cod, New England, to found “Plimoth
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Plantation”, which became the most successful
Boston, Massachusetts. Finally, in 1703, John
and famous of all English settlements in North
Wesley, the founder of Methodism, was born
America. Those same Pilgrim Fathers originated
at the Old Rectory Epworth, which is only eight
from the immediate area around the Airport and
miles from RHADS. Both Boston and Epworth
their journey first began when, as the Scrooby
already attract visitors from other countries.
Separatists, they escaped religious persecution
in England by fleeing to Holland in 1608.
3.60
Whilst visitors from the USA have long come
to the area in small numbers, in the medium
3.57
The Pilgrim Fathers’ leaders included John
term, the establishment of RHADS will allow
Carver, a Doncaster trader, who was
easier access for those wishing to pursue their
responsible for chartering the Mayflower and
roots - whether family, religious beliefs, or even
was to become the first Governor of Plymouth
the origins of their country. This will not just be
Colony. The second Governor, and perhaps
limited to those from the USA, since the
the most famous of all the Pilgrim Fathers, was
historical and religious connections also
William Bradford who was born in the village of
concern people from other countries both in
Austerfield less than a mile from the southern
Europe and worldwide.
end of the Runway. He was Governor of the
colony for 36 years and wrote the vital historical
Site and Airfield Facilities
account Of Plimoth Plantation, which is now
3.61
The operational site of the Airport is 290
a revered document in Massachusetts State
hectares, with an elevation of 17 metres above
archives. Yet another local figure in the founding
mean sea level. The Runway and the
of Plymouth Colony was William Brewster who,
associated taxiway system are aligned
before the exodus to Holland, had been the
north–south. The Terminal building, Apron,
Royal Postmaster and Tax Collector at the
hangars and airside facilities are located on land
village of Scrooby some three miles south
to the west of the Runway. The Fire Station,
of RHADS. Brewster was the first leader and
Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower and Radar
benefactor of the Separatists whose home at
Installation are situated to the east of the
Scrooby Manor, which still exists, was the
Runway.
secret meeting place of the group in the early
3.58
1600’s.
Passenger Terminal and Integrated
Passenger Transport Interchange
The area bounded by Austerfield, Scrooby,
3.62
The Terminal and main passenger car park are
Babworth and Gainsborough has become
accessed directly from First Avenue, which
known as the “Holy Triangle” because the
connects with the new AAR from Hurst Lane
founders of several religious faiths came from
and with Hayfield Lane. The Terminal building
within it. John Smyth, who preached at the
was opened in April 2005. A striking building,
magnificent Gainsborough Old Hall and fled to
with a full glazed frontage and a wave form roof,
Holland with the Separatists, later returned to
it was designed by the firm of Leach Rhodes
London and founded the first Baptist Church.
Walker Architects. Being built from scratch, the
Architects were able to ensure the building was
3.59
Twelve years after Plymouth Colony was
both flexible to allow for changing requirements
established, John Cotton, Vicar of St Botolph’s
in a fast moving industry, whilst also providing a
Church, Boston, 50 miles east of RHADS, led
high quality experience for the travelling public
his Puritan followers to New England to found
in a cost effective and energy efficient manner.
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The Terminal is visible from the main route into
travel through the Customs channels to the
the Airport and the illuminated façade is
large landside concourse area, before exiting
particularly attractive at night. Local MP Caroline
the building to the bus stops, taxi rank and car
Flint dug the first foundation and the building
park adjacent. The arrivals area also includes
was officially “opened” by His Royal Highness
booking desks for car hire, an information desk,
The Duke of York, KG, KCVO and Special
a tourist information area and a number of
Representative for International Trade and
retailing and catering concessions. The Terminal
Investment on 10 May 2007.
is future proofed for expansion at both the
northern and southern end.
3.63
The Terminal is sited parallel to the Runway for
reasons of operational efficiency and ease of
3.66
There is a moderate amount of administration
access to airfield facilities. It is essentially a clear
space within the Terminal, with much of it being
span building within which the various elements
occupied by Control Authorities. The Airport's
of passenger processing, security and retailing
main administration functions are housed in
operate. The glazed frontage makes the
Heyford House to the north of the Terminal.
building readable on approach with the check-in
The building was formerly the RAF operational
desks at ground level clearly visible from the car
command centre. Located directly adjacent to
park. This building is designed to make the
Heyford House is Airfield Control Point 1
passenger process easier and more enjoyable.
(ACP1), which is the primary secure vehicular
The departure hall houses 24 check-in desks
access point to the airfield.
with ample queuing capacity even at busy
times. It is light and airy with quality finishes,
3.67
Bus stops and taxi set down/pick up points are
including a polished marble floor as a feature.
situated immediately in front of the Terminal
From check-in at ground level, departing
building. Public transport information is provided
passengers move directly up to the second
in the Information Area, which is incorporated
floor via stairs, escalators or lifts to the central
within the Terminal.
search security area.
Car Parking and Internal Circulation
3.64
From here, passengers continue their journey
3.68
The main passenger car park has space for
through security to the airside lounge and again
over 3,500 cars and is situated to the west of
this area has high ceilings and full height glazing
the Terminal building with access directly from
providing an open and well lit space with
the AAR. A Premium Car park operates to the
extensive views over the airfield. Retail and
north of the Terminal within the main car park.
catering facilities complement the public areas.
The service area for the building is located to
Passengers embark on to the aircraft from this
the south. West of Heyford House is a staff
area via the three gates on the upper level. These
car park for approximately 300 cars.
are supplemented by an additional three gates
on the lower level, accessed by stairs and lifts.
Aircraft Apron and Stands
3.69
3.65
There are eight aircraft stands on the main
Arriving passengers enter the building at ground
Apron. Aircraft park nose in to the Terminal.
level and are processed through the building at
There are no air bridges or piers with passenger
this level. After passing through immigration and
accessing aircraft on foot or being bussed.
collecting their baggage (the baggage hall has
There are a further seven stands located in front
two race track luggage belts), the passengers
of the hangars. There are five hangars - built by
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the RAF in 1936. They are robust and
3.73
The Fire Station is located on the east side of
adaptable and provide facilities for freight
the airfield and was purpose built prior to
handling, maintenance and storage uses.
opening. The Station has four bays for Rescue
and Fire Fighting Service (RFFS) vehicles, in
Runway and Taxiways
addition to space for a watch room, offices and
3.70
The Runway (bearing 02/20) is 2,893 metres in
training functions. It is one of the best facilities
length with a width of 60 metres, making it one
at any airfield in the UK. It meets the Standard
of the longest in the North of England and able
Category 7 and can be upgraded to Category 8
to handle some of the largest aircraft on Long
on request allowing the Airport to handle the
Haul routes. It also has a high strength rating.
largest aircraft.
It has a full length parallel Taxiway to the west,
providing access to all airside facilities. Taxiway
3.74
widths vary between 18 metres and 23 metres.
The old RAF Fire Station, located next to the
ATC Tower, is now used as a base for
engineering functions and houses equipment
Airfield Infrastructure and Equipment
used for a number of purposes, including snow
3.71
clearing and bird scaring.
The Air Traffic Control (ATC) function is housed
within the old RAF Tower located to the east
of the runway which was fully re-fitted prior to
3.75
A dedicated Engine Testing Area with a blast
opening to comply with CAA regulations. The
screen is located adjacent to the western
requirements state that the air traffic controllers
Taxiway south of the main Apron. This has a
have clear and unobstructed views of the full
4.3 metre high three sided blast screen and
airfield and the existing Tower offers this. The
noise baffle of Lynnco Jet Blast Deflectors and
Tower is adequate for needs over the short to
can allow for main engine running of aircraft up
mid-term, but may require further upgrades or
to Boeing 767 size.
replacement as the airfield grows. There was
provision within the planning consent for a new
3.76
The purpose built Fire Training Ground is situated
ATC Tower of a height of 25 metres. To the
to the south of the main Apron area. The Rig is
south of the Tower is the Radar Installation.
spilt into two sections, simulating fire and rescue
conditions within Boeing 737/757 and the larger
3.72
There are two Fixed Noise Monitors, at Bawtry
Boeing 767 aircraft types, allowing fire crews to
to the south and Boston Park Farm to the north
train for both internal and external scenarios.
of the airfield. These are in line with the Runway
approximately 6 km from Start of Roll (where the
3.77
Located to the north of Hangar 1 is the Fuel
aircraft commences to travel along the runway
Farm. This comprises a secure compound with
during take-off). These record the noise events
storage tanks and office accommodation.
associated with both take-off and landing. The
Deliveries are made by tanker and access the
results inform aspects of the Quiet Operations
site from the eastern end of Hayfield Lane.
Procedures. They are used in the analysis of
Aviation Fuel is taken by tanker to aircraft on
noise complaints and there is also a Mobile
the apron via a perimeter track.
Noise Monitor to help in this respect. There is
an Automated Air Quality Monitor in the vicinity
of the ATC Tower near to Finningley Village.
3.78
At the northern end of the runway is a full five
bar lighting array of landing lights which extends
beyond the railway line and almost to Mosham
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Road. To the south, a smaller array (two bar) of
lagoon is based on calculations of run-off during
landing lights are located on land to the south
extreme storm events and includes some
of High Common Lane.
capacity for expansion of airside areas.
As the Airport grows, existing services and
3.82
In landside catchment areas, Sustainable
utilities infrastructure will require significant
Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS), such as
investment. Lack of electricity supply is a
soak-aways with pollution prevention devices
common problem in the area, but the Airport
are used to ensure protection and recharge
has secured its own dedicated supply via a new
of the underlying aquifer.
main sub-station on Hayfield Lane. The Airport
will continue to ensure that there is adequate
3.83
The Terminal is equipped with a sophisticated
capacity in its services and utilities and that
Building Energy Management System (BEMS),
there is development of additional capacity in
which enables the monitoring and minimisation
line with the proposals in the Master Plan. In
of emissions from power and heat generation
addition, appropriate facilities will be
plant.
safeguarded for key operational functions, such
as stand-by electricity generators and water
Cargo Handling Facilities
supply and storage for fire fighting. The Airport
3.84
Cargo (freight and mail) transit shed facilities are
maintains a network of services corridors, to
housed in Hangar 1. The building is a bonded
provide an efficient service and utility distribution
facility, approved by HM Revenue & Customs
system throughout the Airport.
for the control and distribution of import and
export cargo. The building is located entirely
3.80
The Airport installed a new drainage system
landside with access provided via Airfield
prior to opening, which drains the site in six
Control Point 2 (ACP2) which is operated on
separate catchments - three airside and three
an ad-hoc basis when required.
landside. The Airport operates its own biological
waste water treatment works (WWTW) located
3.85
The Airport manages the landside operation
at the north end of the site which treats both
and work in partnership with Penauille Servisair
polluted airside run-off and foul drainage from
(the Airport's handling agent), to provide airside
landside areas and buildings.
handling. The Airport can facilitate all necessary
ramp loading equipment for most aircraft types,
3.81
The largest catchment, the northern airside
with current movements typically AN-12, BAe
catchment, drains northward and discharges
146, A300s, DC-8s and DC10s. The facility has
via a balancing lagoon to Mosham Drain. The
also handled a number of Boeing 747s and
second largest catchment covers most of the
Antonov-124 movements, demonstrating the
southern airside area and drains via a balancing
airfield’s ability to handle larger aircraft.
lagoon to the east of the Airport into Nursery
Cottage Drain. Airside run-off from hard-
3.86
Other Hangars, 4 and 5, are occupied by ABP
Connect.
standing areas, such as the Runway and Apron,
may be polluted by hydrocarbons and de-icants
during cold weather, so run-off is passed
General and Business Aviation Facilities
through automatic monitors which divert
3.87
General and Business Aviation facilities, are also
polluted run-off to a dirty water storage lagoon
located in Heyford House to the north of the
to the north of the Runway. The size of the
Terminal and are provided by Signature Flight
Support. Signature provide a VIP lounge facility
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and offer flight planning, weather briefing and
and Armstrong House are in business use, the
aircraft charter services.
latter (the former ANS), providing ideally suited
for conversion to a business centre for new
3.88
There is currently a limited engineering
and emerging SMEs. A number of storage
presence on site with Thomsonfly Engineering,
buildings remain in use also. However, much of
providing a rapid response service for its based
the building stock was difficult to convert or of
fleet. The Airport has the facility to carry out
poor quality and this has been demolished and
engine tests when necessary within the
cleared. New roads, sewers and services have
purpose built Engine Test Area, located to the
been provided to site parcels in advance of
south of the main Apron to the west of the
redevelopment. One such completed scheme
Runway.
is Delta Court, a scheme of workshop units
developed by Priority Sites.
3.89
Located to the south of the main passenger
facilities is the airside village, which houses
3.94
Robin Hood Airport Business Park Phase 2
Penauille Servisair the Airport's airfield
comprises an area west of the Terminal car
operations department and aircraft
park, either side of the AAR. New roads,
maintenance facilities. The area also acts as a
sewers and services have recently been laid,
store for various airfield vehicles and ground
but as yet, the area is mainly undeveloped. It
handling equipment. These are system built
will accommodate larger storage/warehouse
pre-fabricated units, allowing for flexibility of
units (B8) and industrial development (B2) with
use. Catering facilities are provided by LSG
high quality office (B1) units fronting First
Sky Chefs.
Avenue. The first of these has been
constructed and houses Red Line - an aviation
Hotel Development
security training provider. The materials have
3.90
A Ramada Encore has been constructed to
been chosen to reflect the quality of material
the west of Hangar 5, facing First Avenue, and
finishes of the Terminal.
opened in 2008. This is a 4 storey building of
modern design accommodating over 100
3.95
bedrooms.
The Business Park will be extensively
landscaped internally, but is also set against
the backdrop of Marr Flats Plantation and
Business Parks Development
Finningley Big Wood, which not only enhances
3.91
There are a number of areas on the Airport site
its appearance, but also will serve to screen the
that offer development opportunities for
larger buildings from areas adjacent, particularly
employment uses (B1, B2 and B8).
to the west. Adjoining the woodland, a habitat
corridor has been laid out to provide an area
3.92
Robin Hood Airport Business Park Phase 1
for wildlife and, in particular, a local population
comprises the area of former RAF buildings to
of lizards. This forms part of the nature
the rear of the hangars and south of Hayfield
conservation management programme.
Lane (formerly termed the technical site). Some
(see Chapter 11).
of the buildings were economical to convert for
re-use and have been retained.
3.96
To the north of Hayfield Lane is the Hayfield
Business Park. Office units have been
3.93
The original RAF Station Headquarters has
completed by Business Homes and further
become Directions Finningley. Oxford House
expansion of this Business Park is planned.
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Roads, sewers and services have recently been
3.98
In addition, further infilling development has taken
constructed in anticipation of development.
place. The former Telecommunications Site on
The site will be well placed in relation to the
Hayfield Lane was redeveloped by Persimmon
planned railway station. (see Chapter 9)
Homes. Stamford Homes developed larger
detached dwellings within the Hayfield Green
Residential Development
estate. New frontage development has taken
3.97
The planning permission for the redevelopment
place at Fir Tree Avenue and the former
of Finningley Airfield allowed for the construction
Community Hall site is being redeveloped as a
of 120 new houses on two sites:
courtyard scheme of smaller terraced units. This
part of Auckley has seen about 200 homes
n Land fronting Gatehouse Lane (with access
constructed in recent years and it now comprises
from it) and Hayfield Lane - a major
part of a significant community.
development known as Hazelmere,
constructed by Persimmon Homes.
n Adjacent to Hayfield Green, fronting Hayfield
3.99
There was an historic linkage between
employment provision and the creation of the local
Lane, a small close of houses known as
community. The RAF base had its own housing
Hayfield Court, constructed by Persimmon
needs met nearby. Single servicemen were
Homes.
accommodated in barrack blocks on the
“technical” site, whilst family housing was provided
And provided as a planning gain requirement:
nearby at what was then known as West Barrier
(now the Hayfield Green area of Auckley). The
n A courtyard of Affordable Housing carried out
Airport redevelopment also balanced
by the Social Housing Landlord and Provider
employment provision with new housing. This
ACIS to the north of Hayfield Lane.
matter was specifically considered by the First
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Secretary of State and he commented on the
the aim is to start the construction of the
sustainability of the approach in granting
scheme in 2011/2012.
planning permission for this (Phase 1) housing
provision. The Master Plan therefore considers
Green Infrastructure
the matter of further housing based upon
3.104 The Airport Redevelopment included extensive
appropriate sustainability criteria in Chapter 8.
landscaping works. Tree and shrubs planting
has taken place to the airfield boundaries and
Community Provision
woodland areas within the site retained.
3.100 Chapter 5 provides information on the
A particular feature has been beech hedge
Directions Finningley Aviation Academy and
planting to the main entrance from Hayfield
educational links between RHADS and local
Lane along First Avenue and around the
schools, including Hayfield School. The former
Terminal Car Park. A screening bund was
Officers Mess building was converted into Hill
constructed to shield the Village of Finningley
House School providing the most up-to-date
from the airfield. Landscaping uses indigenous
facilities catering for pupils from pre-school
species specifically chosen to avoid berry
nursery to the age of 16.
bearing and other plants which can give rise to
bird strike risk. The existing woodland structure
3.101 Hayfield Local Centre is located on the north
side of Hayfield Lane and comprises a Nisa
and planting associated with the Airport
redevelopment are shown on Plan 2.
Supermarket. There are plans for
redevelopment to create a larger supermarket
3.105 The existing woodland of Marrs Flats Plantation
and possibly additional retail units. There are
has been made available for public use and will
also shops, including fast food outlets, near the
be dedicated as public open space by Peel
junction
Land and Property. Footpaths tie in with the
of Hayfield Lane with Hurst Lane. A Roman
new footpath/cycleway adjoining the AAR to
Catholic Church linked to a congregation in
form a network linking to Hayfield Lane. South
Rossington is located in the Airport Business
of the AAR, a new path has been created,
Park just south of Hayfield Lane.
running southwards (from where it is intended
in the future to create a link to High Common
3.102 As a part of the Airport redevelopment,
Lane) and then westwards to join Hurst Lane.
provision was made for the retention of the
This work continues a programme of path
RAF playing fields north of Hayfield Lane to be
creation encouraged by the ATF (see Chapter
made available for use by public. A scheme for
9). The network of existing and newly created
the site has been developed in partnership with
paths are shown on Plan 3.
local stakeholders. The scheme will comprise
separate rugby and football pitches, a hall for
3.106 A comprehensive habitat management
indoor sports with changing rooms, a fitness
programme is in place to both conserve
suite, community meeting rooms, café and 1st
existing flora and species of nature
floor local business suite.
conservation interest, but also to enhance their
long term value. These can be characterised as
3.103 A Community Interest Company has been
created to implement the scheme and raise
the necessary funding. Subject to securing this,
follows:
n Woodland - future management of Marr
Flats Plantation includes the creation of a
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series of glades, selective coppicing, the
reptile fencing. A wildlife tunnel has been
creation of dead wood piles and erection of
provided under the new AAR to ensure
bat and bird boxes.
continuity of the Corridor. It incorporates
n Hedgerows - these have been “gapped up”
to ensure continuity.
n Grassland - a Habitat Corridor has been
created along the boundary of Marr Flats
heating and lighting activated during the
warmer months to encourage use by
reptiles.
n Bat and Bird Boxes - around 40 bat boxes
Plantation and Finningley Big Wood. Within
and 6 bird boxes have been installed. Albeit
this Zone were translocated areas of damp
evidence of bats is low, birds are occupying
acid grassland affected by construction
works. The Corridor also provides a
over half of the total boxes.
n Pond Establishment - three ponds were
safeguarded area for a local reptile
constructed in 2005 and are in the process
population and is bounded by permanent
of becoming established.