Decision due on Doncaster Airport demolition planning permit

A RULING could be made today on whether to invoke a legal measure which would require planning permission before any demolition work at Doncaster Sheffield Airport.
By Michael Upton
Published 18th May 2023, 16:00 BST
Updated 18th May 2023, 16:09 BST

Officers at Doncaster Council believe making the formal direction would help safeguard the future of the airport, which it is keen to reopen.

Owners Peel closed DSA last November after an internal review declared it “unviable” but the council has been exploring options to revive its fortunes, including buying the site under compulsory purchase processes.

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A report to the council’s portfolio member for planning, Cllr Nigel Ball — which he could to back tomorrow — says a so-called Article 4 Direction could be made with immediate effect if approved and could help to preserve the airport and its operational ability, which is described as “essential given the local and regional desire to see the airport re-open in the future”.

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The council said when it surveyed the public, 96 per cent of those responding supported the move.

A spokesperson for DMBC said: “The direction would ensure that any proposals to demolish buildings in the defined area are subject to a planning application and assessment via a full planning process.

“These buildings include the control tower, fire station, hangars, cargo and transit sheds, the runway and the terminal building.”

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An Article 4 Direction means certain development otherwise allowed without permission is exempted and a planning application is needed for work — in this case, including proposals to demolish buildings at the airport.

Any application would subject to the normal national and local policy considerations and consultation.

The report also spells out the benefits having an airport brings to the city and region, including ease of access to foreign or domestic air travel, job and business boosts a and access to international markets for trade and tourism.

The DMBC spokesperson added: “The Article 4 Direction is also recommended following comments made by representatives for the Peel Group that certain buildings could be at risk of demolition, although these representations did not provide specific details.”

You can see the report at https://tinyurl.com/DSAArticle4.

Related topics:Doncaster Council