Chris Hazlewood and Andrew Gough from Dyson attended the Hullavington Parish Council meeting held on Wednesday 13th September to give an update on how development of the airfield is progressing.
The planning application for the two hangars, 85 and 86, near Stock Wood was submitted to Wiltshire Council on 13th March with an expected decision date of 12th June. However, Highways England asked for a three-month delay on 26th April and on 21st July, a further 3-month delay was requested by them, before a decision was made.
This was mainly because of work being done at Junction 17 and the impact that the Chippenham Gateway development will have on the motorway. WYG, the agents for Dyson, are currently working with Wiltshire Council on this matter.
Work on Hangar 86 that does not need planning permission is proceeding, mainly sorting out the inside of that hangar, getting rid of asbestos etc. Currently the doors of that hangar are resting on the airfield prior to being refurbished and replaced.
Work on Hangar 85 was halted because Greater Crested Newts were found on the site. A new sanctuary has been made for them to the south of the hangar and in due course they will be re-homed there.
Work has also started on Hangar 81 at E site (to the left of the Grittleton road as you leave the village). This hangar had the grass covering removed many years ago but this will be replaced as part of the refurbishment and the hangar will be used as a Research and Development area when refurbished, access to this area will be from the airfield.
This work does not need planning permission but an application for a Certificate of Lawfulness will be submitted.
Concern from a parishioner at the meeting, regarding the junction of the C31 with the A429, was raised, it is considered that this problem will be addressed when the Masterplan is submitted to Wiltshire Council.
Mention was also made about the proliferation of light aircraft flying over the airfield. This is because it no longer comes under Lyneham Control Zone and Area jurisdiction so anyone can fly over the airfield now!