Save Dunsfold Campaign
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Save Dunsfold Campaign
A group have got together in a serious way to try to keep the property developers from building 2,600 houses over Dunsfold.
So far the planning applications have been turned down - or that's the tale I've heard & read though Dunsfold Park say not -, but the fear is it's only a matter of time or.
The airfield is still in good condition as such, and would make for instance a superb warbird restoration base!
Most of the hangars are used for bulk storage, with a few of the smaller buildings used by light industry - which seems fair enough.
'Top Gear' shuffle from hangar to hangar as their filming season suits.
Mercedes also use it regularly to teach people how to handle their McLaren wonder-car.
There is also a tiny museum there, manned by 2-3 veterans who were there during the war - they were initially told last year they wouldn't be getting any tickets for the annual 'Wings & Wheels' display ! Later sorted out but wouldn't seem to reflect a good attitude...
Dunsfold is a historic site ( major POW reception, F-86 refurbishment, Skyways, Hunter, Hawk, P1127/Harrier as just the obvious examples ) and also a war grave - there were some nasty accidents when the Dutch operated B-25's from there in WW2.
Moderators, I understand links to websites are frowned upon, so while I will mention it now, if you feel you have to edit it please would anyone who feels like signing up PM me.
http://www.sdpnt.com
So far the planning applications have been turned down - or that's the tale I've heard & read though Dunsfold Park say not -, but the fear is it's only a matter of time or.
The airfield is still in good condition as such, and would make for instance a superb warbird restoration base!
Most of the hangars are used for bulk storage, with a few of the smaller buildings used by light industry - which seems fair enough.
'Top Gear' shuffle from hangar to hangar as their filming season suits.
Mercedes also use it regularly to teach people how to handle their McLaren wonder-car.
There is also a tiny museum there, manned by 2-3 veterans who were there during the war - they were initially told last year they wouldn't be getting any tickets for the annual 'Wings & Wheels' display ! Later sorted out but wouldn't seem to reflect a good attitude...
Dunsfold is a historic site ( major POW reception, F-86 refurbishment, Skyways, Hunter, Hawk, P1127/Harrier as just the obvious examples ) and also a war grave - there were some nasty accidents when the Dutch operated B-25's from there in WW2.
Moderators, I understand links to websites are frowned upon, so while I will mention it now, if you feel you have to edit it please would anyone who feels like signing up PM me.
http://www.sdpnt.com
Last edited by Double Zero; 3rd May 2008 at 12:28.
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yet another airfield could go down the plug hole !
maybe I am wrong but it seems that this country no longer cares about its heritage and education anymore.
As for Dunsford, I would be very surprised if the development went ahead (within the next 5 - 10 years at least) as I am told the owners of the site are making too much money out of it to build houses.
I have heard a rumor (so not too sure if it is true) but to hire out the runway (say for professional driving courses) there is a graded price scheme.
The more you pay for the usage means that can have the use of the runway at key times.
The less you pay means that you get some crap hours to use it in.
So that's why I would be surprised if the housing development went ahead at the moment. The owners are making too much money out of the site from various business interests.
RD
maybe I am wrong but it seems that this country no longer cares about its heritage and education anymore.
As for Dunsford, I would be very surprised if the development went ahead (within the next 5 - 10 years at least) as I am told the owners of the site are making too much money out of it to build houses.
I have heard a rumor (so not too sure if it is true) but to hire out the runway (say for professional driving courses) there is a graded price scheme.
The more you pay for the usage means that can have the use of the runway at key times.
The less you pay means that you get some crap hours to use it in.
So that's why I would be surprised if the housing development went ahead at the moment. The owners are making too much money out of the site from various business interests.
RD
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I wish that was the case, but in fact the revenue from such things as car testing is small beer compared to building a new town !
They even have a plan, I kid you not, to link up to the Wey & Arun canal, which runs along the Eastern edge of the airfield ( not navigable as people have built big houses near or even over it, including the ex-Lady Mayoress of Guildford who didn't want nasty pleb's in boats passing her garden )
- to dig up & flood the runway to give 'waterside properties' !!!
Cue the old joke about ' flood the runway, there's a Sunderland coming in '.
Naturally the runway was resurfaced just before closure - even if they were intent on this mad plan, why they can't go to one side and avoid the hard bit beats me, except to ensure no flying happens.
One snag is that the 'field was dormant for a couple of years after BAe left, so a lot of local NIMBY's who moved in during that period are terrified their expensive houses might suffer nasty aeroplanes around - at a meeting I was given a roving microphone & reminded them that if it wasn't for such places they'd be talking German, also the contribution to UK Ltd the place has made in exports...
I was amused to hear the Red Arrows 'Red 10' or whoever does the commentary state " this is a minimal size runway we would operate from " - I and my ex colleague couldn't help wondering if this chap thought he flew a Warton product, as they will let you believe !
My father was in charge of fitting the Hawk smoke pods, and I photographed the smoke colour trials ( the Adour runs a lot cooler than the Gnat's Orpheus, so getting a good solid colour was tricky ).
On the up-side, we did manage to dye a local lady's hanging washing bright green ! That was dealt with diplomatically & she was recompensed.
Unfortunately this is a real fight, Dunsfold needs all the support it can get.
They even have a plan, I kid you not, to link up to the Wey & Arun canal, which runs along the Eastern edge of the airfield ( not navigable as people have built big houses near or even over it, including the ex-Lady Mayoress of Guildford who didn't want nasty pleb's in boats passing her garden )
- to dig up & flood the runway to give 'waterside properties' !!!
Cue the old joke about ' flood the runway, there's a Sunderland coming in '.
Naturally the runway was resurfaced just before closure - even if they were intent on this mad plan, why they can't go to one side and avoid the hard bit beats me, except to ensure no flying happens.
One snag is that the 'field was dormant for a couple of years after BAe left, so a lot of local NIMBY's who moved in during that period are terrified their expensive houses might suffer nasty aeroplanes around - at a meeting I was given a roving microphone & reminded them that if it wasn't for such places they'd be talking German, also the contribution to UK Ltd the place has made in exports...
I was amused to hear the Red Arrows 'Red 10' or whoever does the commentary state " this is a minimal size runway we would operate from " - I and my ex colleague couldn't help wondering if this chap thought he flew a Warton product, as they will let you believe !
My father was in charge of fitting the Hawk smoke pods, and I photographed the smoke colour trials ( the Adour runs a lot cooler than the Gnat's Orpheus, so getting a good solid colour was tricky ).
On the up-side, we did manage to dye a local lady's hanging washing bright green ! That was dealt with diplomatically & she was recompensed.
Unfortunately this is a real fight, Dunsfold needs all the support it can get.
Last edited by Double Zero; 24th Apr 2008 at 12:53.
Double 0,
Here Here! Dunsfold is steeped in Aviation history, and can we seriously permit the destruction of it in the manner of West Malling et al?
As for Avn use, we used the overhead for Chinook GH sorties (quickstops / wingovers etc) after it closed...until we were told that as an "active" airfield and due to Top Gear Filming we were not welcome...A shame, we could have headed the NIMBYs off at the pass.....
Here Here! Dunsfold is steeped in Aviation history, and can we seriously permit the destruction of it in the manner of West Malling et al?
As for Avn use, we used the overhead for Chinook GH sorties (quickstops / wingovers etc) after it closed...until we were told that as an "active" airfield and due to Top Gear Filming we were not welcome...A shame, we could have headed the NIMBYs off at the pass.....
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Dunfold
Does this location not have connections with the Harrier (aka 'Dunnsfold Dustbin') & the HS 125 (first civiation non avation death from a 125 over run hitting a car?) i know I know! Others to confirm.
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This airfield is a memorial to Anglo Saxon industrial heritage/culture, and an uncomfortable reminder to some of numerous wars created by our European "allies"
Doesn't stand a chance
see RAF West Malling today after it has been turned into a "green field site"
Doesn't stand a chance
see RAF West Malling today after it has been turned into a "green field site"
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It might not be as bad as it looks. Property developers are not going to undertake projects of that size and not be able to sell the houses - and it is going to get worse. The chances of a go ahead is very limited from what I hear.
merlinxx, you refer to the HS125 that was being flown by the renowned John Cunningham, who did indeed go through the fence and hit a car driven by the wife of his best friend who was unfortunately killed! What chances is there of an incident of that nature occurring with all the precise moments in time coming together! Some might say destiny I suppose. But it was tragedy.
merlinxx, you refer to the HS125 that was being flown by the renowned John Cunningham, who did indeed go through the fence and hit a car driven by the wife of his best friend who was unfortunately killed! What chances is there of an incident of that nature occurring with all the precise moments in time coming together! Some might say destiny I suppose. But it was tragedy.
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<<Here Here! Dunsfold is steeped in Aviation history, and can we seriously permit the destruction of it in the manner of West Malling et al?>>
So what happened to Croydon? People, apart from a few enthusiasts, simply aren't interested. Great pity.
So what happened to Croydon? People, apart from a few enthusiasts, simply aren't interested. Great pity.
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John Cunningham was demoing to a group of Chinese, I believe, when he had a miltiple bird strike, and had to put it down, hence the over-run. If I remember correctly, not only was it a friend/s wife that was killed, but their children were victims as well. Friend was, coincidentally, a Test Pilot, unless time has dimmed my recollection.
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Building housing in England is a huge problem. Where I live, there is a suggestion that a new town is likely to be built. Do we want it on our doorstep??? Of course not!! Therefore, we become NIMBYS. 'Let them build it on that little used airfield, rather than next to me' is the cry. Then the people interested in the airfield become NIMBYs too, by saying 'don't build it on our airfield, although it is little used, it is part of our heritage!!' Well, so is the countryside. So, there is a massive housing shortage in this country, so where shall we build these houses??
Perhaps we should start building tower blocks again, so we don't have to build on open countryside, or little used airfields, but then people would complain that they are unsightly etc., so it is a major problem. Whichever way we look at this, we are all NIMBYS in our own way. Virtually EVERY little used airfield is part of our hritage, but so is our beautiful countryside, but people have to live SOMEWHERE [but not next to me]
Perhaps we should start building tower blocks again, so we don't have to build on open countryside, or little used airfields, but then people would complain that they are unsightly etc., so it is a major problem. Whichever way we look at this, we are all NIMBYS in our own way. Virtually EVERY little used airfield is part of our hritage, but so is our beautiful countryside, but people have to live SOMEWHERE [but not next to me]
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Good point. But its not always a matter of NIMBYism. Hatfield was a much more important piece of aviation history than Dunsfold: it has now been built over, to the great benefit of the town. You can't eat history and Hatfield was devastated by the BAe closure.
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Dunsfold
Pretty Dunsfold.
Yes a super airfield in a glorious location and there can't be anyone in GA who would like to see it developed into a housing and industrial estate.
The harsh fact is that there probably isn't a sports site anywhere in the UK that isn't worth millions more in houses. Football, rugby, tennis and cricket fields, athletic tracks (goodbye White City!) ... in fact any open space becomes worth zillions once the local planners give it the nod for houses. My old Grammar School where I played so many wonderful games of cricket ... now a mass of houses. The poor sods have to play their game a couple of miles away.
"Oh and you'll have to build one starter home for every half a dozen we give permission for." So we can sell it for one third of its value to some socialist voting no-hoper. And by the way, we'd quite like a new roundabout paid for out of the profit we could be handing you, and maybe a new library or two.
Joking ... See the madhouse roundabout at Purley, Surrey. Good old Tesco.
We flyers all know of the hundreds of acres of dead land all over Surrey that could be developed for young starting out couples. As my years roll by I've given up hope of ever seeing any common sense or fairness in local planning. Just profiteering. I've lost count of the lucky so & so's who happened to be sitting on an acre of suitable building land.
Take the couple of million from Bovis and retire to the south of France and leave hundreds of youngsters struggling to pay the inflated price of their building plot just to keep Mr lucky wealthy in retirement and happyin Pina Coladas!
Sorry for the Communist rant ... so how do we as an industry keep our aviation heritage sites safe. Any ideas out there before the developers home in on Old Warden?
I'll get on with my retirement knitting now.
Take care all,
Dennis Kenyon.
Yes a super airfield in a glorious location and there can't be anyone in GA who would like to see it developed into a housing and industrial estate.
The harsh fact is that there probably isn't a sports site anywhere in the UK that isn't worth millions more in houses. Football, rugby, tennis and cricket fields, athletic tracks (goodbye White City!) ... in fact any open space becomes worth zillions once the local planners give it the nod for houses. My old Grammar School where I played so many wonderful games of cricket ... now a mass of houses. The poor sods have to play their game a couple of miles away.
"Oh and you'll have to build one starter home for every half a dozen we give permission for." So we can sell it for one third of its value to some socialist voting no-hoper. And by the way, we'd quite like a new roundabout paid for out of the profit we could be handing you, and maybe a new library or two.
Joking ... See the madhouse roundabout at Purley, Surrey. Good old Tesco.
We flyers all know of the hundreds of acres of dead land all over Surrey that could be developed for young starting out couples. As my years roll by I've given up hope of ever seeing any common sense or fairness in local planning. Just profiteering. I've lost count of the lucky so & so's who happened to be sitting on an acre of suitable building land.
Take the couple of million from Bovis and retire to the south of France and leave hundreds of youngsters struggling to pay the inflated price of their building plot just to keep Mr lucky wealthy in retirement and happyin Pina Coladas!
Sorry for the Communist rant ... so how do we as an industry keep our aviation heritage sites safe. Any ideas out there before the developers home in on Old Warden?
I'll get on with my retirement knitting now.
Take care all,
Dennis Kenyon.
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Old Warden, and Duxford are the ONLY places in my opinion that are safe. They are both extremely well used, and the home of a vast amount of our heritage. The suggestion that Dunsfold could become a Warbird restoration base is simply not practical, given the ones that we already have, which are coping very well with our Aviation Heritage. If Old Warden or Duxford come under threat, then I can assure you that there will be protesters in droves about proposals to build, because they are both well known to Joe Public. Anything that is underutilised and not so well known will inevitably be in some danger, I'm afraid.
Slight thread drift, Mr. Kenyon, I'm sorry to have only discovered your helicopter displays a few years ago. Brilliant, and always the benchmark for future displays. A ver happy retirement to you, Sir.
Slight thread drift, Mr. Kenyon, I'm sorry to have only discovered your helicopter displays a few years ago. Brilliant, and always the benchmark for future displays. A ver happy retirement to you, Sir.
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Hatfield has gone - largely thanks to BAe - and I'm interested to hear how more revolutionary aircraft were planned there than the Harrier at Dunsfold;
I know about the proposed V/STOL transport etc, I suppose watered down to the HS146, but unfortunately that airfield wasn't saved - a great shame as this was an historic airfield, though if you don't mind me saying we Hawkers types always regarded DeHavilland products as a bit fragile !
Then again Sydney Camm seems to have liked unusually thick wings...
Dunsfold has a great deal of history, so please support it while there's still time.
I know about the proposed V/STOL transport etc, I suppose watered down to the HS146, but unfortunately that airfield wasn't saved - a great shame as this was an historic airfield, though if you don't mind me saying we Hawkers types always regarded DeHavilland products as a bit fragile !
Then again Sydney Camm seems to have liked unusually thick wings...
Dunsfold has a great deal of history, so please support it while there's still time.
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JEM60
I'm sorry to say you are right; although I was at school then,( 1974 ? ) my father was at Dunsfold at the time.
The HS125 was indeed demonstrating for a Chinese delegation; it had a bird-strike in both engines just on take-off, and John Cunningham did very well to put it down straight ahead - across the main A281 road to Guildford - gear up.
They all got out unscathed, it was only later that the fire crew found bits of car - the wife & children of one of the comm's pilots had been viewing at the end of the runway...
He is a very well regarded pilot, and I will not name him here.
After that the option of take-off run was changed, ( with the prevailing SW wind most a/c took off the other way anyway ) and raisable barriers were installed at each end.
I'm sorry to say you are right; although I was at school then,( 1974 ? ) my father was at Dunsfold at the time.
The HS125 was indeed demonstrating for a Chinese delegation; it had a bird-strike in both engines just on take-off, and John Cunningham did very well to put it down straight ahead - across the main A281 road to Guildford - gear up.
They all got out unscathed, it was only later that the fire crew found bits of car - the wife & children of one of the comm's pilots had been viewing at the end of the runway...
He is a very well regarded pilot, and I will not name him here.
After that the option of take-off run was changed, ( with the prevailing SW wind most a/c took off the other way anyway ) and raisable barriers were installed at each end.
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Brooklands
CORRECTION-
Brooklands have asked me to make it clear that the collision with Vimy and vehicle was a car not a tractor as I misunderstood, a few years ago ( I can't help thinking that's even worse but what the hell ...) and the Vimy has not been evicted, just told to leave for a little while or find somewhere else.
As various people have mentioned, there are plenty of 'Brown Field' places to fit houses in, while Dunsfold is unsuitable A; as an object of history,
B; as it is still a very useful airfield, C; as the local roads etc couldn't handle a town there !
Brooklands have asked me to make it clear that the collision with Vimy and vehicle was a car not a tractor as I misunderstood, a few years ago ( I can't help thinking that's even worse but what the hell ...) and the Vimy has not been evicted, just told to leave for a little while or find somewhere else.
As various people have mentioned, there are plenty of 'Brown Field' places to fit houses in, while Dunsfold is unsuitable A; as an object of history,
B; as it is still a very useful airfield, C; as the local roads etc couldn't handle a town there !
...And apparently they will need a new reservoir somewhere, as there is not enough capacity in the local water supply infrastructure! (This info from someone with years of experience in the water industry...).
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Dunsfold
The gatehouse Security staff will be devastated if the housing plan goes ahead. They will be deprived of their chance to be rude and ignorant to Alan Sundry on an hourly basis. One in particular is the unholy spawn of a rottweiler and an ex Waffen SS officer. Takes huge pleasure on insisting that any visitors take one of the comedy 'maps' of the site only to hurtle after them in his Land Rover when, within moments, they are impossibly lost thanks to the 'map'.
On a more prosaic note, in the highly unlikely event of the field being sold to a developer, what will become of the 747 ? Will need a big hole to hide it in...
On a more prosaic note, in the highly unlikely event of the field being sold to a developer, what will become of the 747 ? Will need a big hole to hide it in...