BAE Woodford sold

[manccowboy]

Just heard that JCB have bought the BAE Woodford site and its being reinstated as a operational airfield. Its being turned into a bizjet park and also a aircraft scrapping and reclamation centre.

Better than housing and supermarkets http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/smile.gif
http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/statusicon/user_online.gif http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/buttons/report.gif (http://www.pprune.org/report.php?p=6745690) http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/buttons/edit.gif (http://www.pprune.org/editpost.php?do=editpost&p=6745690)

[racedo]

They must have got a V Good price and lots of investment grants, can't understand why they would want something in London with staff costs probably double the rest of the UK.

OTOH employing ex BAE staff who put the stuff together makes some sense.

[hunterboy]

Isn't it up by Manchester? Have I missed something?

[jamesdevice]

Uttoxeter and Macclesfield are only about 35 miles distant. Seems a perfect purchase as a company airfield , nice and close to their distribution warehouses.

[manccowboy]

Woodford is in NW England :ok:

[racedo]

Oooooooooooooooooop :ugh:

Thinking of Woodford in East London :O as was watching stuff about Olympics at the time

[avturboy]

Hey, would be great if this is true but can't find anything on the web, what was the source of the information please?

[Art E. Fischler-Reisen]

Its being turned into a bizjet park and also a aircraft scrapping and reclamation centre.

Hey if they intend to scrap aircraft, they could turn it into an aircraft tug driver training centre.... :E

[Navaleye]

If it being kept as an operational airfield then thats great. great news.

[ZH875]

Hey if they intend to scrap aircraft, they could turn it into an aircraft tug driver training centre.... :E


And for Movements staff to practice driving into aircraft properly.

[manccowboy]

Hey, would be great if this is true but can't find anything on the web, what was the source of the information please?

I believe a official announcement will be made very soon, It wont go down well with local residents :E

[rolandpull]

The Movers are quite picky now. They like the 'gear to be down before they play.

[NutLoose]

FLYER Forums • View topic - Woodford sold? Remains operational? (http://forums.flyer.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=73036)

[VX275]

It wont go down well with local residents
If it annoys the premiership footballers in Prestbury and Alderley Edge........ Good

[Izzarch]

To add to the mixing pot; either way looks' like people will actually be working for a living at Woodford in the future ;)!!!!!!

12 Oct 2011, 10:51

The 500-acre Woodford Aerodrome site near Stockport is to be turned into a film studio.
Regional screen agency Vision+Media has confirmed the move but it is not yet clear how it will fit in with an ongoing public consultation over future uses of the site.
Earlier this year Stockport Council, Cheshire East Council and landowner BAE Systems held a series of public exhibitions and design workshops to find out local people's views and aspirations for the site.
Private as well as social housing, a medical centre and sports facilities were among the most popular options.
On Wednesday Stockport Council said it was still preparing a 'Supplementary Planning Document' which will be formally adopted in spring 2012 and guide the future redevelopment of the site.
Meanwhile, it appears that BAE, which is closing the site, has been holding talks with Vision+Media and a businessman called John Harvey about using it for film production.
Harvey incorporated Woodford Film Studios Ltd on September 26 and Vision+Media publicised the new location in its newsletter on Tuesday.
It said: "The site offers huge production build facilities, office accommodation, vast expanse of hard standing and green space for technical parking plus many individual annex buildings for storage, construction and prop houses. Full phase power & water facilities are present throughout the site."
Vision+Media's Kaye Elliot told media news website How-Do the move could revolutionise the film industry in the region which was lacking a production space for feature films.
Elliot and BAE's spokesperson were unavailable for comment

Ref:- > News > Woodford site to be used as film studio - Place North West (http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/10259-woodford-site-to-be-used-as-film-studio.html)

[NutLoose]

> News > Woodford site to be used as film studio - Place North West (http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/10259-woodford-site-to-be-used-as-film-studio.html)

[avturboy]

I'm a local resident and it would be fine by me to keep the site as an airfield, the implications for increased road traffic if it goes residential don't bear thinking about ... we can't even get the A555 airport link finished ...

[Evanelpus]

also a aircraft scrapping and reclamation centre

They have had plenty of practice lately, so why not!

[GearDownFlaps]

Ask JCB if they would be so good as to bring back the flying schools and the airshow , that would be nice, not sure the local flying schools will be getting free circuits anymore though

[Krystal n chips]

Can we look forward to W O O D F O R D on the slopes of Alderley Edge then ?.......:E

[Izzarch]

Brilliant Krystal, maybe a few famous Hand & Footprints in the pavements along 'Lack of Sun' Boulevard will improve the local dire footpaths!!!

[J31 MAN]

BAE Woodford could become film studio after sale bid accepted | Manchester Evening News - menmedia.co.uk (http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/business/s/1461724_bae-woodford-could-become-film-studio-after-sale-bid-accepted-)

[BEagle]

Somehow I really can't see Hollywoodford having 't same appeal as California......

Of course we could see 't Bungling Baron opening a chain of 'Planet Hollywoodford' restaurants specialising in northerrn delicacies smothered in brown sauce...:\ At BWoS 'bargain' prices, no doubt:


Pig pancreas burger wi' mushy peas an' chips.........£50
Sheep testicle burger wi' mushy peas an' chips.......£55
Brown sauce.....£10 per 100ml
Fillet of F....... Norrtherrn Monkey steak wi' chips an' brown sauce.....See 't special slate ferr 't price o' 't day.

[ACW599]

>Of course we could see 't Bungling Baron opening a chain of 'Planet Hollywoodford' restaurants specialising in northerrn delicacies smothered in brown sauce<

With faithful retainer Seth as the maitre'd and featuring Boogeroff on the menu in some form or other :E

[BEagle]

Unfortunately poor old Seth, 't Baron's wrinkled retainer, was fired when 't Baron dished out the recent redundancies....

However, being a canny old sod, he's busily writing his memoirs "Anouska, Winship and the Saudi prince", involving " 't Baron bunging bribes to 't brown lads" - which should see him happy in retirement!

Boogeroff has been banned from 'Planet Hollywoodford' lest his flatulent emissions should disturb the customers as they feast upon tripe-and-udder burgers wi' mushy peas, chips an' brown sauce.....

[JimmyTAP]

Every clouds have a silver lining. Once BAE have closed completely in the north of England then we won't have to suffer Beagle's "hilarious" northern monologues. Not knowing where Woodford actually is doesn't seem to matter much either.....

[StoneyBridge Radar]

TV crew at the gates today said as part of the package, there is apparently also a big deal with DHL using the airfield in the future.

Anyone shed any light...?

Rgds

[ShyTorque]

They're apparently going to rename it:

"London Woodford".

The motto: "We can make the earth move for you".

[avturboy]

"TV crew at the gates today said as part of the package, there is apparently also a big deal with DHL using the airfield in the future"

Given the size of the DHL operation just down the road at EMA that doesn't quite make sense, but who knows .... and anything that keeps the airfield operational is fine by me.

[diginagain]

The motto: "We can make the earth move for you".
Thought it was "We're not happy, 'til you're not happy"?

[StoneyBridge Radar]

Given the size of the DHL operation just down the road at EMA that doesn't quite make sense, but who knows .... and anything that keeps the airfield operational is fine by me.

I was told there were no further expansion possibilities at EMA......

[NutLoose]

Quote:
Given the size of the DHL operation just down the road at EMA that doesn't quite make sense, but who knows .... and anything that keeps the airfield operational is fine by me.
I was told there were no further expansion possibilities at EMA......

Physically site wise there isn't really, though I always thought it was planned that the car parking to the side of the building was for DHL for expansion, which was one reason the dip in the contour of the land was filled.
EMA is one if not the only airport that is open 24hrs a day hence it's attraction........ Is Woodford, as most mail work is at night?

[MAN777]

Not exactly sure of the correct terminology but I was lead to believe that the airfield is only licensed as a "factory airfield" therefore any commercial aviation activity would have to be in that bracket.

Can anybody put some meat on that thought ?

[Roadster280]

Oh I don't know JimmyTAP, the comments are quite funny to laugh "at", as opposed to "with". There's more likelihood of the scenario painted taking place in Blackbird Leys, Cartoontown or Witney (Poxfordshire) than Woodford (Cheshire). Possibly acted out in Polish, Estonian or some such. Hell, even Wart-on and Salmesbury are in Lancashire, not Yorkshire. Once the Hawk's dead and buried, so will Brough be, although that's really Hull rather than Yorkshire proper.

Now that BAES does more business with the DoD than MODUK, can we expect more ill-informed "bolleaux" regarding "Bubba" and "BillyBob"? Of the 100 or so locations BAES have in the US, only a handful are in the South.

[manccowboy]

I should imagine mentioning the word "jobs" would be enough to get the airfield a commercial license in the present climate :)

[avturboy]

Would tend to agree!

[phil9560]

Every clouds have a silver lining. Once BAE have closed completely in the north of England then we won't have to suffer Beagle's "hilarious" northern monologues. Not knowing where Woodford actually is doesn't seem to matter much either.....


Wear a bit thin don't they ?

[NutLoose]

Ouch... kick a man when he is already down why don't you, I thought it was funny in taking the michael out of the southerners.

[GGR]

If it annoys the premiership footballers in Prestbury and Alderley Edge........ Good

Why would it? Woodford is 3 miles from Prestbury and 5 miles from Alderley Edge. surely these are the guys who will use it most!

I would if I had a superb airfield in my back garden and unlimited wonga......... Enough said,

Manchester Airport will lose a lot of business but they dont want GA or even private jet type ops anyway IMHO.

GGR

[avturboy]

Manchester Airport will lose a lot of business but they dont want GA or even private jet type ops anyway IMHO.

"loose a lot of business" ... don't think so, there is some corporate business running through Ocean Sky at MAN, GA at MAN doesn't exist.

Opening up Woodford would offer real opportunities to expand corporate and GA in the North West.


IMHO

[Cumulogranite]

If true then this is good news indeed. Firstly it gives us flyers a choice in this area, if they open up to flying clubs of course!! Secondly most of the premiership footballers are already interested in GA flying, mostly rotary though as really is a rich mans sport!!!! Although granted there are those in that line of work for whom the ground exams might be a trifle challenging shall we say!!!

As for the local residents, it is not a case of middle England prejudice, for those that have never been around that area, it is full of some very nice, very large, very very expensive houses of the hald a mil for a garden shed style!!! If you had bought a house in the most elegant neighbourhood the area has to offer and then saw the value of your investment destroyed overnight by social housing (as already mentioned, occupied by the anti social) I think you would resist such a move as well. This is not a snobby attitude, but it is law if a company builds a new housing development, a certain percentage of the build has to be social housing. Given that for the last 40 years councils all over the country have tried to mix the classes moving the anti social in with the nice people in the hopes that the scum would pull thier socks up. In reality the opposite occurs, the value of a pile in Woodford would drop through the floor overnight. In addition when runway 2 was being built at MAN, there were restrictions on the tipper wagons that they couldnt go through Woodford, can you imagine the outcry from the locals if they had all the ghastly lorries going past the door every day??

If offered the choice of the two, I imagine the locals will tolerate the airfield all day long, and if that is the case then good look to Woodford, and I look forward to seeing your runway soon

[spargazer]

Could that mystery film studio be "Pinewood", 71.1% owned by :mad:

[Krystal n chips]

Well this should placate the horse set in Chesh sheer ( as those eloquent Beeb persons from Islington insist on calling the county :rolleyes: ) if nothing else...

BAE Woodford site purchaser revealed as JCB heir | Wilmslow Express - menmedia.co.uk (http://menmedia.co.uk/wilmslowexpress/news/business/s/1462075_bae-woodford-site-purchaser-revealed-as-jcb-heir)

[SWBKCB]

Not much mention of future aviation use? :(

[1.3VStall]

It does mention "retention of the runway", which is a good sign!

[A2QFI]

Anti social - Scum - Pull socks up! Sounds like the footballers AKA Rooney and Co

[ANW]

At this stage everyone's guess is as good as mine. I would caution about getting too excited about a resumption of any meaningful aviation activity. The fact that the Flight Sheds area is the prime focus of attention for the film studios, does suggest that aviation is not top of the list of priorities.

Some of the proposals I have seen have the runway laid out as a main road into the site, linking up with the new by-pass link. Likewise rumours of the likes of DHL etc suggest to me road freight depots.

As it was on the last day of BAE airfield operations, see here (http://www.edendale.co.uk/ANW/WFD.G3.html).

As it was over many decades, wallow in nostalgia here (http://www.edendale.co.uk/ANW/WFD.H1.html).

Hopefully there will be a favourable outcome for the resumption of some form of flying activities, but given the limited one sided press stories we have been reading, I will not be expecting much at this stage.

[roverman]

Whatever happens at WFD it is unlikely to take away much bizjet traffic from MAN. One of the major advantages of private jets is that you fly when YOU want to, often at short notice. MAN is H24, all-weather, has comprehensive facilities, and night noise restrictions don't gnerally prohibit today's bizjets. I can't see WFD ever being able to ofer all those advantages. Sheik al Makhtour, the Glazers, Roman Abramovic etc are not going to be impressed when they are told that they can't stay for that extra cocktail after the match because of the curfew at WFD, or they have to stay because the weather has closed the field.

Operationally, despite the 2000+ metres of runway, WFD will be somewhat limited for commercial flights by the large lump of Cumulus Peat-Bogostratus (aka Kinder Scout) which rises to over 2000 feet on the extended centreline.

[JimmyTAP]

What you say is probably true about business traffic but I disagree with your point about the terrain. Commercial traffic operates at airfields with considerably higher terrain than Kinder Scout in the surrounding area. It may be 2000ft but it is over 7 miles away. I've flown out of Woodford many hundreds of time and haven't hit the hill yet!
The bigger hindrance might be a lack of parallel taxiway. I believe planning permission was sought many years ago but it was never built. It was a pain at times when the airfield was busy.
I don't actually think a commercial operation is on the cards anyway, mores the pity.

[GOLF_BRAVO_ZULU]

Roverman. Apart from possibly disturbing the Manchester Rambler's Sunday, I also don't see the problem with Kinder. http://www.ead.eurocontrol.int/eadbasic/pamslight-68FFFF9A6CCDD4EDB0A94DAA1483C356/7FE5QZZF3FXUS/EN/Charts/AD/AIRAC/EG_AD_2_EGCD_8-2_en_2006-01-19.pdf The NDB/DME Approach Plate for 07 shows bags of terrain seperation. Also, Kinder is not exactly strewn with bent AVRO/HSA maker's plates.

[Chris Scott]

Never operated into Woodford. (Drove there around 1986/7 to evaluate two types of EFIS fitted to an ATP simulator, and in a hangar saw the Kinloss Nimrod whose belly had been burned by flares in flight.) Any topographical shows the aerodrome is worse affected by the proximity of cumulo-granite Peninis than MAN. Thought it might be worth looking at the let-down plates in the UK AIP.

Unsurprisingly, the ILS for Rwy25 is 3.6deg (20% steeper than standard), and availability of the paired DME is mandatory as there is no L (locator) beacon nowadays for Rwy25. The OCH for Cat A aircraft (would that include bizjets?) is 400ft, roughly double the normal for a Cat1 ILS procedure. This may be partly due to the steeper slope, but is likely also to be something to do with a large number of close-in obstacles. The Cat B OCH is 100ft higher.
http://www.ead.eurocontrol.int/eadbasic/pamslight-68FFFF9A6CCDD4EDB0A94DAA1483C356/7FE5QZZF3FXUS/EN/Charts/AD/AIRAC/EG_AD_2_EGCD_8-3_en_2006-01-19.pdf

The lowest-available minima for Rwy07 are for the offset NDB(L)/DME procedure mentioned above by GBZ, and they match the ILS Rwy25 figures – presumably due to the comparative lack of obstacles.
http://www.ead.eurocontrol.int/eadbasic/pamslight-68FFFF9A6CCDD4EDB0A94DAA1483C356/7FE5QZZF3FXUS/EN/Charts/AD/AIRAC/EG_AD_2_EGCD_8-2_en_2006-01-19.pdf

Even for Cat A aircraft, a decision height of over 400ft is likely to be restrictive on many mornings, unless Woodford weather is an exception to the general rule. But MAN is close to hand...

PS (EDIT): For some reason the links posted by me and GBZ don't seem to work, but the charts come to hand easily enough via the UK AIP website.

[roverman]

Despite being licensed, Woodford has never been used for commercial (revenue) flying, only for flight testing and for BAE and its predecessors business.

The Aerodrome Licence has now been revoked and the ATZ given up. Whereas previously WFD had a licence with a number of legacy non-compliances such as terrain and trees through the obstacle limitation surfaces. A new licence application with a new owner is likely to be treated from scratch - i.e. comply with the requirements or have operating limitations as an alternative means of compliance. These could take the form of reducing the runway declared distances, higher than usual minimum descent heights, higher than usual RVR limit. Trees can be removed, hills can't, unless you're in Hong Kong. Probably not a big issue for JCB's own fleet but likely to be limiting for commercial operations.

[Airclues]

Trees can be removed, hills can't

Unless you happen to own a few JCB's.

[spargazer]

boeing areospace

[spacemonkeys]

Saw a light twin fly low (3/400ft) over, Over Alderley today, landing gear down heading North. anything to do with Woodford? It was white if that helps

[JSCL]

Could likely have been from Barton?

[Suzeman]

Sale now completed to JCB

Article still mentions retention of the runway but no further clues as to whether it will ever be used for flying again.

Good to see the future of the Heritage Centre is assured too.

JCB heir acquires BAE Woodford for £100m | Manchester Evening News - menmedia.co.uk (http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/business/s/1468479_jcb-heir-acquires-bae-woodford-for-100m)

Suzeman

[acbus1]

Its being turned into a bizjet park and also a aircraft scrapping and reclamation centre.


Would be ideal for processing Air France Airbus 'pilots', then. :rolleyes:


Isn't £100m a tad too high? :confused:

[beardy]

The article mentions a runway retention and an equestrian centre. Now that will be an interesting mix, never mind the demands of a film sound stage!

[Brewster Buffalo]

Isn't £100m a tad too high?

Maybe not if "...the north side would be used for housing" as mentioned in the MEN story. Looks like only the South side buildings would remain...

[The96er]

"...the north side would be used for housing"

A great use of industrial land - more houses and leisure facilities !!! - just what the economy needs. Surely the powers that be can think long term for a change and perhaps of stipulated that any use of the land must be used for future industrial use. Alas, long term strategic thinking does not exist in this country anymore, just a quick dollar from property developers. :rolleyes:

[roverman]

Alas, too true. Once was the time when good old 'Avro's' employed skilled men and women by the thousand. In a vision on British industry past, the factory whistle blew at four, and scores of favourite uncles set forth aboard their trusty Honda C90s and BSA Bantams, putt-putting home, some with a pipe ablaze beneath a pudding bowl helmet. 'Those Vulcans, them 748s, and the Nimrods, we built 'em all!'

Now, will it be scores of Mercedes leaving executive detached homes?

[Brewster Buffalo]

A great use of industrial land - more houses and leisure facilities !!! - just what the economy needs. Surely the powers that be can think long term for a change and perhaps of stipulated that any use of the land must be used for future industrial use

Support the sentiment but I doubt if there would be much demand for the existing production buildings but maybe the redevelopment could include some smaller new "nursery" units but of course the greatest value will be in housing of course.

[The96er]

I doubt if there would be much demand for the existing production buildings but maybe the redevelopment could include some smaller new "nursery"


This is more in line with what I was thinking. Obviously the existing main hanger is of 1930/40 vintage and no longer meets modern industrial requirements. Perhaps an industrial type park housing various small to medium size hi-tech based units would of been more appropriate than luxury houses.

[ballyctid]

Alas, too true. Once was the time when good old 'Avro's' employed skilled men and women by the thousand. In a vision on British industry past, the factory whistle blew at four, and scores of favourite uncles set forth aboard their trusty Honda C90s and BSA Bantams, putt-putting home, some with a pipe ablaze beneath a pudding bowl helmet. 'Those Vulcans, them 748s, and the Nimrods, we built 'em all!'

Now, will it be scores of Mercedes leaving executive detached homes?




Nail on the head with the Honda 90, I then progressed to a Honda 175 before really going upmarket with a Vauxhall Viva, 19 years I did there, learnt the trade then realised money was to be made elsewhere, I've even got Woodford in my logbook a few times now, glad I did it before the JCB's move in!

[Topspotter]

Great shame, as the previous poster said how many thousands of others over the years have had a great start in aviation engineering at places now gone such as woodford/ chadderton/ hatfield/weybridge etc

oh well, not to worry, morrisons have just announced there taking a few hundred shelf stackers on i hear

[learjet50]

:mad::mad:You really are a Nasty Person Topspotter

The B a e factories have started thousnad of people in aviation in the Uk

that have devoted many years to the development of the Great British Aircraft Industry we once had

Your refrence to shelf stacker at Morrisons is appauling how dare you you call people that are willing to stack shelves ad opposed to claiming dole etc..

Topspotter What do u do ??? are u empolyed

As for Top spotter the title itseld says it all about you

Stop knocking people who for may years works there butts of to try to keep the British Aircarft Industry going

You ought to be ashmed of yourself


Gerry

[ZeBedie]

I think you have miss-interpreted what Topspotter was saying - I think there was some irony in the Morrison's comment?

[Topspotter]

Thank you Zebedie, my post clearly was way over his head, ....gerry obviously does not do irony. :8

Hower to be fair the old duffers knocking on a bit and it was late.....

[Suzeman]

Understand now that there are no plans to use any part of the site for flying operations. :{

Suzeman

[The96er]

Understand now that there are no plans to use any part of the site for flying operations.

Suzeman

What a surprise :rolleyes: I fully expect the whole site to become nothing more than a housing estate, oh, and maybe a Tesco's or two ! A complete lack of vision once again from our elected masters :ugh:

[ZOOKER]

Mark Hunter (Lib-Dem), is, I believe, the local MP. Stockport, so, no surprises really.
I bet Jones Homes are rubbing their hands with glee.
Or, maybe "affordable housing for our key workers".
Or even a new by-pass to by-pass the recent Poynton 'traffic improvements'. :E

[jubilee]

Yes,. Poynton traffic improvement, a lesson on how to waste public money.

With the announcement of a southern bypass road from Manchester airport to the A6,
will this cut through Woodford, or are the plans not out yet.
J

[chaps2011]

The middle part of the by-pass is already built and runs from Woodford to Handforth so does not touch the airfield
Should have said have a look at google maps and you can see A555
clearly standing out

Ian
Edited with further info

[jubilee]

Thanks for that,forgot about the A555. Do we know where on the A6 it will come out,
Hazel Grove or will they take it right up to the Chapel bypass near Whaley Bridge.
Sorry this is off topic.
J

[LN-KGL]

The A555 was supossed to hook up with A6 to the east of Hazel Grove between Mill Lane and Norbury Hollow Road. More about the Manchester Outer Ring Road at Pathetic Motorways (http://pathetic.org.uk/unbuilt/manchester_outer_ring_road_(south)/)

[avturboy]

The route has been published, at the Hazel Grove end it will join the A6 at Simpson's bend, just where the speed limit changes from 30 to 40mph when heading south.

[Evanelpus]

The B a e factories have started thousnad of people in aviation in the Uk




And lets not forget they are also responsible for ending thousands of careers in UK aviation. As someone who can speak from experience (twice!) I can honestly say that BAe don't give a flying :mad: about their workers, it's all about profits.

Just ask those who worked at Filton.

[ETOPS]

Out and about in Poynton this morning and couldn't help noticing a small Business Jet landing at Woodford. It was, I believe, a CJ525 with an all-over silver/grey colour scheme. Not one of the JCB fleet so wondered if this was a sign that the developers were starting the process of planning what to do with the site.

I don't for one minute believe that the runway will survive this or that this was in anyway the start of aviation activities.......

Any clues as to which machine this might be? Idle curiosity - that's all.

[MAN777]

From a spotter forum

Citation Jet G-PWNS is in at Woodford, parked at 07 end of runway as of
12:15.

Hangar 8 Ltd

[ETOPS]

Thanks MAN777 clearly not lost my spotting skills......:ok:

[Suzeman]

I believe there may well be another aeronautical movement at WFD next week...:ok:

[Skipness One Echo]

I believe there may well be another aeronautical movement at WFD next week...
I believe the Vulcan is being ferried out to Cosford for a re-spray. That is all.

[chaps2011]

More likely to blow away in the wind Skipnesshttp://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/worry.gif

Ian

[ACCMan]

And there's more ..........

De Havilland Hornet Moth G-ADND will land at Woodford on 18 May sometime after 1100. The aircraft is part of the 75th anniversary first landing at Ringway event and is due to fly VFR EGCC-EGCD on Firday, departing for Barton sometime later.

[avturboy]

Are you sure Woodford, it's not licensed these days.

Manchester Evening New is saying MAN around 11.15am

[chaps2011]

Yes Woodford, they also had a Citation in on Thursday

Ian

[Suzeman]

ACCMan is correct.

G-ADND is due in MAN on Thursday, 75 years ago to the day it was the first aircraft to use Ringway.

It will go to EGCD on Friday; it has no requirement to use a licensed airfield.

All this is weather dependent and unfortunately the forecast doesn't look too good, but fingers crossed.

Suzeman

[avturboy]

Found picture of the Citation on the ground at Woodford on 10th, so what are the restrictions, or otherwise, of using an unlicensed/disused airfield?

[ACCMan]

G-ADND is now on the ground Woodford after landing on RWY 07 at 'own discretion'. Could this be the last ever landing at EGCD? The new owners and site developers are due to hold an exhibition of their plans at the airfield next Friday.

> News > Woodford housing plans due out for consultation - Place North West (http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/11644-woodford-housing-plans-due-out-for-consultation.html)

[ETOPS]

Photo of Citation

G-PWNS - 1996 build Cessna 525 CitationJet, parked on the 07 threshold at Woodford (disused) !! | Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/16057556@N07/7171677226/in/photostream/)

[roverman]

XM603 will never have daylight under its tyres again, but its future looks secure as Avro Heritage are committed to keeping her as part of the heritage centre which is being created alongside the 1926 A.V.Roe hangar on the south side. Oh, I forgot, the hangar is in fact older than the aerodrome, it was taken there from Alexandra Park in Manchester when that closed in 1924.

[Betablockeruk]

Predictably, lots of expensive houses.....

1,000 houses, school and pub plan for home of the Nimrod at former BAE site in Woodford | Manchester Evening News - menmedia.co.uk (http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1531969_1000-houses-school-and-pub-plan-for-home-of-the-nimrod-at-former-bae-site-in-woodford)

"Controversial plans to build nearly 1,000 homes on the site of the former BAE Systems at Woodford were being revealed today."

[160to4DME]

So what happened to the "only 450 homes, cricket field, natural woodland and film centre" ????

Typical council / big contractors carve up.

[ETOPS]

Interestingly the documents at the info day showed the Northeast portion of the runway as "retained" - That's the section which lies within the Cheshire East greenbelt. Wonder if the developers have any plans for safeguarding or noise mitigation as some of the Garden Village will lie very close to the southwest threshold.........

[Suzeman]

Of the non - aeronautical variety I should mention.

Sounds rather nasty.

Pictured: Wreckage of £150,000 Lamborghini supercar crashed on birthday treat ride at Woodford aerodrome | Manchester Evening News - menmedia.co.uk (http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1582037_pictured-wreckage-of-150000-lamborghini-supercar-crashed-on-birthday-treat-ride-at-woodford-aerodrome)

[avturboy]

Sorry the guy was hurt ... but shouldn't have happened. Not exactly a positive story about the airfield is it?

Would be better if Avro Heritage were giving 'special permisson' for aviation related use of the airfield.

[J31 MAN]

In the thread linked below, Poynton Council has released details of plans for the other end of the runway not covered by the plans above:

Poynton]Poynton, Bramhall, Hazel Grove Forums &bull; View topic - Poynton Town Strategy (http://www.localwebring.co.uk/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1417&sid=44c209f23ca89f13946d81de88f0f547), Bramhall, Hazel Grove Forums &bull; View topic - Poynton Town Strategy

more about Woodford redevelopment here:

Woodford Garden Village | Home Page (http://www.futurewoodford.co.uk/)

[Suzeman]

More coming out on the future of the Woodford Site with the Woodford Garden Village Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) having just been published.

http://democracy.stockport.gov.uk/documents/s20538/8b%20Woodford%20SPD%20for%20Consultation.pdf

There will be a statutory six week consultation running from Monday 3 September - Monday 15 October 2012. Final approval of the SPD at the end of 2012. Timescale and key dates for the completion of the SPD process here

Stockport Council - Woodford BAE Systems Site (http://www.stockport.gov.uk/services/business/regendevelopment/regeneration/tcandmajordev/woodfordbaesite)

Some key aviation related points

Para 4.7 - Due to conflicts with the flight path with Manchester Airport the runway is not being retained for aviation use.

Para 4.9.2 Oxford Aviation will remain in their existing premises and an access will be provided through any new development from Chester Road;

Para 4.9.3 The heritage centre will remain on the site but accommodated in a new building

Para 4.39 The built heritage significance of the assets that comprise Woodford Aerodrome have been identified and assessed in the Heritage Assessment which is appended to the Report of Survey. The Runway and Control Tower, and M U Stores (part of the Adlington Industrial Estate) are considered to be of local heritage interest, while Lancashire Aero Clubhouse
and the Avro Shed, the Aircraft Factory and Hangars 1-5 are individually considered as of local heritage interest, although they form the main components of the Aerodrome, which collectively is considered to be of regional heritage importance. This is primarily based upon their condition, construction date and association with the documentary and archival evidence maintained by the Avro Heritage Centre.

Para 4.40 Accordingly, in order to protect the significance of heritage assets on the site, any development should secure the following
safeguards:
1 A masterplan which protects the settings of nearby Listed Buildings;
2 A programme of historic building recording;
3 A programme of archaeological work customised to address the archaeological potential of the proposed development;
4 The continued maintenance of the Avro archive within a Heritage Centre on the site
5 The retention of the Vulcan bomber in association with
the Heritage Centre; and,
6 A development that reflects the history of the aviation use of the site, for example, by ensuring that the line of the former runway remains legible within the proposed site layout.

Para 5.18 The Oxford Aviation building and associated car parking will remain and continue to be used as an aviation training facility (Class B1). The Phase 2 extension to the existing building remains to be completed but it may be implemented in accordance with the extant planning permission #DC/044109].

Para 5.19 A new Heritage Centre is intended to be located to the north of
the Oxford Aviation building to explain the historic association of Woodford Aerodrome with Avro, BAE Systems and the production of several aircraft, including the Lancaster, Vulcan and Nimrod. It will comprise a purpose-built structure, with associated car parking and external display space for the Vulcan (currently parked elsewhere on the site).

To summarise the proposals
No more flying on the site
New Heritage Centre to be built. Vulcan to be preserved outside it.
Oxford Aviation operations (simulator) to continue


So could it be that the Hornet Moth was the last movement at the aerodrome?

The bits of the site to be built on will be mostly housing rather than for industrial use. See paras 4.59 and 4.60. Para 2.23 states that "The site ownership is currently split between Redrow Homes Ltd and Avro Heritage Ltd. Harrow Estates plc (part of the Redrow Group of Companies) has in addition an option to purchase the Avro Heritage Ltd land which enables a comprehensive vision to be considered for the site’s future. Oxford Aviation has the benefit of a lease.The Aero Golf Club own the golf course on the south-western corner of the site".

Hardly surprising then to see the housing priority but much of the open area will be retained especially the east and south east areas of the site being in Green Belt.

And finally para 5.15.3 suggests that an appropriate use in the new village area would be "A public house (Use Class A4) with a floorspace not exceeding 650sq.m. (net), where it is accessible to future residents by non-car modes of transport.:ok: I wonder what the name could be if one is built?

Suzeman

[ballyctid]

And there ends a big chapter in my life.

Started work there in 71, thousands worked there at the time, passed my apprenticeship, went on many test flights and working trips from there.

Left in 89 for pastures new having learnt the trade.

Return on 3 occasions as a PPL just to get it in the log book.

Sad day indeed.

[ETOPS]

Final nail in the coffin for any chance of flying in the future here...

http://i1.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/article8108254.ece/alternates/s615/JS39730343.jpg

Cheshire East have chosen the green route for the Poynton bypass which neatly bisects the remaing runway :*

[StoneyBridge Radar]

Stockport MBC Planning Application DC053832 -The Woodford Aerodrome Opportunity Site

Moves are afoot to have a public enquiry held.

We believe the planning application for the Woodford Aerodrome site is in contravention of the Planning Practice Guidelines which make it clear that, once established, Green Belt boundaries may only be altered in exceptional circumstances, through the preparation or review of the Local Plan and not, as in this case, by use of a planning application.

The latest effort from Woodford residents is a representation direct to Eric Pickles; a request to call in the application for determination and request that he hold a public enquiry, so that the concerns and representations of all parties may be considered before a final decision is made.