Local Area Plan
The LAP was signed off this week for the airport and surrounding area. It should put clear planning guidelines in place, and will advance the SDZ application. It includes 25 ha north of the airport zoned for a business park development.
However they have added some restrictions including prohibiting retail development outside of the terminal area, and "rural character" zoning of some surrounding lands rural, which will rule out most development including proposed hotel (aim being to make sure such developments locate in nearby towns).
This rural zoning also includes a raised area around the old VOR site within the airport complex, but this is being reviewed following complaints from the airport management.