We suggest (in representations to site-specific policies in Chapter 10) further changes to the local plan which would reinforce the current, workable, arrangements, but also indicate where further developments around the airfield could result in further undue restrictions on operations to the detriment of Estate business and with it very serious consequences for the district economy.

Chapter 8 should make reference to the role of aviation in transportation. The NPPF (paragraph 106f) requires local planning policies to: “recognise the importance of maintaining a national network of general aviation airfields, and their need to adapt and change over time – taking into account their economic value in serving business, leisure, training and emergency service needs, and the Government’s General Aviation Strategy.” The plan does not make such references and is therefore not compliant with the NPPF and consequently is unsound.

Goodwood Aerodrome is a general aviation airfield.

Moreover, the plan should make provision for how aviation is likely to change in the future, with technological advances, not only in terms of being more accessible to the public for sport and recreation, but also the impact of STEM activities and their important role in future aviation and the advance of drone and similar technologies. Goodwood Airfield is closely and actively engaged with developers of such technology and this is likely to become an increasing sector of the Estate’s business.

General aviation airfields, such as Goodwood, frequently have sufficient land available for new aviation-related facilities (unlike constrained commercial airfields) and provide a major infrastructure resource. Unfortunately, this benefit is often overlooked in planning policies, and many airfields are subjected to threats of redevelopment – for reasons of viability fuelled by a high demand for housing land- and increasing resistance to developments supporting aerodrome business (such as potential noise and disturbance to adjoining residential areas)

Local political reaction to activities at many general aviation airfields has led to the introduction of restrictive planning policies, many related to noise and disturbance and a fear of expansion. Goodwood airfield is no exception, but it has worked with the local community over many years to reach an operational position that provides a balance between continued operation and protection of local amenities. Unfortunately in recent years, particularly as a result of an ill-founded strategic development allocation in the previous local plan, that operational balance is coming under further strain and cannot be further adjusted.

A position is fast approaching where operations at the airfield and motor circuit could be compromised unacceptably by the encroachment of new development, in particular housing development. This was ably demonstrated by the speculative housing proposal north of Madgwick Lane to which both the Estate and planning authority objected for reason, amongst many others, potential noise disturbance, safety concerns and operational constraints which contributed to an unacceptable ‘agent of change’ situation.

The proposal was subject to public inquiry and a finely balanced decision was granted in favour of development by the inspector for reason of the benefits of new housing outweighing the potential harm to Goodwood operations, on grounds that the (unproven) mitigation offered by the developer will be both provided and be effective, and we suggest, a misunderstanding of the true impacts of existing operations.

The Estate will continue to oppose the development for sound planning reasons that the mitigation offered and based on inaccurate evidence, will be inadequate and ineffective in addressing the concerns raise by the Estate and planning authority.