Panshanger Airfield At Risk Again?
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I flew to Panshanger with my instructor late last year,not a happy visit,R./T.dodgy,and when we entered the café we were greeted with "are you members",when I explained that we had just flown in for a visit the guy said "oh,I suppose it's alright then",never went there again,the most un-friendly airfield in the London circuit that I have ever flown in.
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I see Councillor Perkins is missing from my text. She was the one I gave the save panshanger petition to in January. In February I set up Holwell Hyde Heritage and from this commenced my WW2 discovery at Panshanger with the council, the upshot being I managed to convince the council to carry out an appraisal on the aerodrome to prep it for conservation. 
When the report was put forward to the council from the officers who assessed the previous consultation and 'how many new homes' it was said that Option 6 was the better option, whereas Option 4 (panshanger) would only protect the green belt (so they say). Option 6 is the villages of Brookmans Park, Welham Green and Cuffley, deviding the proposed houses for Panshanger in to these villages, as the report pointed to infrastructure was already in place in the villages and the votes against Panshanger was over 600 for option 4 (a negative vote), Option 6 had around 72 and the other options similar amounts, Panshanger was clearly not the place to build. The councillor said it would be Perverse not to build on Panshanger. Why?
the NPPF guidelines were not met in the decision made, whereas all the decisions were met for the villages. 
Hi Dave - I don't represent the aerodrome at Panshanger or its business.
I am sorry that you had that experience, because its my local and I myself was written to about inviting non-members,lol. I think, and I'm sure you know the aerodrome faces closure and any normal person would be under great pressure, as I am sure all the other aerodromes around the country are feeling the pinch. Normally they are fine down there, but for me the hoo haa arose when I said in print I was going to give out my leaflets at the revival day and it caused a stink with someone. Bottom line is, I just will try and keep my affairs to my self. No-one can ensure how the attitude of a person is going to be, on a certain day, though it does not stop someone from being polite. Ive been censored and you've been fobbed off looks like but is that going to stop you from going? on your next visit it might be different!
When the report was put forward to the council from the officers who assessed the previous consultation and 'how many new homes' it was said that Option 6 was the better option, whereas Option 4 (panshanger) would only protect the green belt (so they say). Option 6 is the villages of Brookmans Park, Welham Green and Cuffley, deviding the proposed houses for Panshanger in to these villages, as the report pointed to infrastructure was already in place in the villages and the votes against Panshanger was over 600 for option 4 (a negative vote), Option 6 had around 72 and the other options similar amounts, Panshanger was clearly not the place to build. The councillor said it would be Perverse not to build on Panshanger. Why?
the NPPF guidelines were not met in the decision made, whereas all the decisions were met for the villages. Hi Dave - I don't represent the aerodrome at Panshanger or its business.
I am sorry that you had that experience, because its my local and I myself was written to about inviting non-members,lol. I think, and I'm sure you know the aerodrome faces closure and any normal person would be under great pressure, as I am sure all the other aerodromes around the country are feeling the pinch. Normally they are fine down there, but for me the hoo haa arose when I said in print I was going to give out my leaflets at the revival day and it caused a stink with someone. Bottom line is, I just will try and keep my affairs to my self. No-one can ensure how the attitude of a person is going to be, on a certain day, though it does not stop someone from being polite. Ive been censored and you've been fobbed off looks like but is that going to stop you from going? on your next visit it might be different
!
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votes against Panshanger was over 600
If by "votes" you mean "responses to consultation" or "signatures on petitions" then those aren't "votes". Sometimes it is legally correct, and even legally the only option, to take planning policy decisions that hundreds of people oppose (or, at least, will sign a petition opposing, in order to get the organiser off their doorstep).
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My Crazy Sums!
Hi Gertrude.
You seem to know the planning process and you are right Councillors should not decide referendums
With the decision to choose option 4 as opposed to option 6, this will come out when the enquiry looks to see if this core strategy is sound and have followed the 4 NPPF points (which they have not) is sound and I'm sure there are a queue of people to raise this point.
Panshanger Aerodrome could close to provide 700 dwellings The page 4 comment is an interesting read.
Thanks for your input Gertrude.
Dean.
You seem to know the planning process and you are right Councillors should not decide referendums
With the decision to choose option 4 as opposed to option 6, this will come out when the enquiry looks to see if this core strategy is sound and have followed the 4 NPPF points (which they have not) is sound and I'm sure there are a queue of people to raise this point.
Panshanger Aerodrome could close to provide 700 dwellings The page 4 comment is an interesting read.
Thanks for your input Gertrude.
Dean.
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Panshanger Aerodrome 2014 - Holwell Hyde Heritage
I have managed to get Panshanger Aerodrome's wartime Past now Officially entered into the' Historic Environment Record' for Hertfordshire.
The council decided against awarding the aerodrome a conservation area based on their own beliefs it is of no historic value
They have agreed with English heritage that the North side of the aerodrome (the original aerodrome 1940) the Raf Mess will be preserved.
On the South side, behind Moneyhole Park is the decoy factory switch room, which is also going to be preserved.
In the Conservation Area Appraisal, it is recommended that no more buildings should be built on the aerodrome other than the amount of current buildings there already, meaning they are saying no to 700 houses, but yes to developement.
The Blister Hangers are regarded as Rare and In Situ but not mentioned as worth saving.
What I will point out is that Panshanger Aerodrome is the remains of only 1 of 4 in the UK today of a 3D Star-Fish Site, which makes Panshanger in the National Interest something Mariposa overlooked when I was making the connection with the Dambusters.
Panshanger Had 2 Aerodromes in the second world war, not one, as they had a changer of call sign. This is something that was overlooked.
The Panshanger Jet, the SK1. Local undiscovered history and the legacy of it, the London Aeroplane Club hangar. There is more to Panshanger and by the end of this year I will draw it out. Digging is too hard!
ab-initio.wix.com/holwellhydeheritage
The council decided against awarding the aerodrome a conservation area based on their own beliefs it is of no historic value
They have agreed with English heritage that the North side of the aerodrome (the original aerodrome 1940) the Raf Mess will be preserved.
On the South side, behind Moneyhole Park is the decoy factory switch room, which is also going to be preserved.
In the Conservation Area Appraisal, it is recommended that no more buildings should be built on the aerodrome other than the amount of current buildings there already, meaning they are saying no to 700 houses, but yes to developement.
The Blister Hangers are regarded as Rare and In Situ but not mentioned as worth saving.
What I will point out is that Panshanger Aerodrome is the remains of only 1 of 4 in the UK today of a 3D Star-Fish Site, which makes Panshanger in the National Interest something Mariposa overlooked when I was making the connection with the Dambusters.
Panshanger Had 2 Aerodromes in the second world war, not one, as they had a changer of call sign. This is something that was overlooked.
The Panshanger Jet, the SK1. Local undiscovered history and the legacy of it, the London Aeroplane Club hangar. There is more to Panshanger and by the end of this year I will draw it out. Digging is too hard!
ab-initio.wix.com/holwellhydeheritage
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In the Conservation Area Appraisal, it is recommended that no more buildings should be built on the aerodrome other than the amount of current buildings there already, meaning they are saying no to 700 houses, but yes to developement.
What does the "yes to development" mean? It can be sold and developed for any other purpose, except housing?
I'm confused, North and South seem the wrong way. Surely the still active part is the South side?
I'm sure I read years ago that it was briefly called Hogsnorton but I've no idea where and I don't think I've ever heard it since. To me it conjures up an image of a large pig on a motorbike...
Panshanger was also sort of "historic" as the brief home of W4050, the prototype Mosquito. When Bill Baird was hiding the Mossie in various places to avoid burning it like he'd been instructed to, it spent some time in bits in the blister hangar by the old refuelling area.
I'm sure I read years ago that it was briefly called Hogsnorton but I've no idea where and I don't think I've ever heard it since. To me it conjures up an image of a large pig on a motorbike...
Panshanger was also sort of "historic" as the brief home of W4050, the prototype Mosquito. When Bill Baird was hiding the Mossie in various places to avoid burning it like he'd been instructed to, it spent some time in bits in the blister hangar by the old refuelling area.
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Not Quite Sticking It To The Man But Heritage Preservation
I could not use the words Panshanger Aerodrome in my last petition as someone else used it, but with Recent Historical Developments at Panshanger Aerodrome and addressing that issue to the First Secretary of State, Its time to set the record straight.No real Heritage preservation at Panshanger, until I came along and since that happening I have managed to get Panshanger Aerodrome in the Hertfordshire Historic Environment Record and the Raf Mess and the Switch Room protected.
If you want to see Panshanger Aerodrome survive after 2019, sign this new petition or share it around the UK. Untill the law is changed, it will go on as previously planned.
http://t.co/QGP1S6MYXe
Ab-Initio Verimus-Calum
Dean.
Last edited by Dean McBride; 8th Jul 2014 at 18:18. Reason: left out link
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Dean, sadly this petition is UK citizen only. It may be wise to setup some additional supporters survey for the non-UK citizen. If you present 50 locals signed petition, backed up by 1.000 fly-in chaps, it may help.
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PANSHANGER CLOSING 20/9/2014
I find this difficult to understand (but I have not had the email, so maybe that explains).
Previous post "if you want to see Panshanger Aerodrome survive after 2019, sign this new petition or share it around the UK."
So, assuming the airfield was safe until 2019, what has brought this about so soon?
Previous post "if you want to see Panshanger Aerodrome survive after 2019, sign this new petition or share it around the UK."
So, assuming the airfield was safe until 2019, what has brought this about so soon?
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Email :-
Dear all,
It is with great sadness that we have had to send this press release out to you. Please read and communicate it well in your publications and on your websites to let people know.
The closure is sadly due to the licence agreement with the landowner, Mariposa Investments Ltd, expiring on 21st September 2014. Therefore, the aerodrome will be officially closing on Saturday 20th September with limited flight operations in the final week from 14th September. We are very grateful to have had so many years here at Panshanger and I’m sure you will agree that there is no place like Panshanger.
We would like to invite you to come to the last events – Panshanger Revival Day on Sunday 10th August and the Aerobatic Day on 14th September as these will be a celebration of General Aviation in the UK. We will also be holding our Young Aviators Day on Friday 1st August to give those young pilots some inspiration for the future. It will be great to write articles about these events so other airfields can recreate something similar in the future to keep the Panshanger spirit going. Please let us know so we can add your name to the guest list.
If you require any original imagery, please let me know as we have high resolution copies.
Thank you for all your support over the years.
Kind regards
Haim and Sue
Dear all,
It is with great sadness that we have had to send this press release out to you. Please read and communicate it well in your publications and on your websites to let people know.
The closure is sadly due to the licence agreement with the landowner, Mariposa Investments Ltd, expiring on 21st September 2014. Therefore, the aerodrome will be officially closing on Saturday 20th September with limited flight operations in the final week from 14th September. We are very grateful to have had so many years here at Panshanger and I’m sure you will agree that there is no place like Panshanger.
We would like to invite you to come to the last events – Panshanger Revival Day on Sunday 10th August and the Aerobatic Day on 14th September as these will be a celebration of General Aviation in the UK. We will also be holding our Young Aviators Day on Friday 1st August to give those young pilots some inspiration for the future. It will be great to write articles about these events so other airfields can recreate something similar in the future to keep the Panshanger spirit going. Please let us know so we can add your name to the guest list.
If you require any original imagery, please let me know as we have high resolution copies.
Thank you for all your support over the years.
Kind regards
Haim and Sue
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This was always the issue, rather than planning houses on it or quarrying. The historical landowners (Mr Nat Somers) had a passion for aviation. When he passed on, his wife, and in particular the sons of Mr Somers (going under the name of Mariposa Investments) had no interest in it being maintained as an airfield, and it was just $$ for quarrying land or housing. I suspect the licensing of the airfield was a small revenue generator.
Those who live nearby wont take this as good news as even if the land is vacant for some years, it will become a dump probably. Those who have planes and fly from there have to look elsewhere, and as someone mentioned I cant imagine Stapleford, Elstree, North Weald accommodating all the planes, though I suspect they would welcome the new business.
Its a big blow, especially as it seemed to be a thriving flying school, in a recession period.
Those who live nearby wont take this as good news as even if the land is vacant for some years, it will become a dump probably. Those who have planes and fly from there have to look elsewhere, and as someone mentioned I cant imagine Stapleford, Elstree, North Weald accommodating all the planes, though I suspect they would welcome the new business.
Its a big blow, especially as it seemed to be a thriving flying school, in a recession period.
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The problem for any airfield, especially in the south, near a built up area is the value of the land for development, which will run into £10's or even £100's of millions compared with getting peanuts leasing it out.
Close the airfield, turn it into brownfield wasteland and in a few years the council will permit full development and the current owners and their future heirs will never need to work again.
Unfortunately Panshanger isn't the 1st and wont be the last.
Close the airfield, turn it into brownfield wasteland and in a few years the council will permit full development and the current owners and their future heirs will never need to work again.
Unfortunately Panshanger isn't the 1st and wont be the last.
piperarcher
I think that you will find that it is one son. While he had an interest in aviation after a wheels up landing (which i witnessed), and possibly another, he appeared to lose interest.
Used to work for Nat, not the easiest of bosses, but was fair. Loved his flying, I spent many hours with him in his Aztec and later Navajo. Had a great way of doing things, straight lined it every time. After buying Southampton he bought Halfpenny Green, the latter he knocked into business shape and sold on. Remember a trip up there from Southampton, airborne, climb, direct track, wasn't bothered about something called "Green 1"!
Shame about Panshanger, what next Wellesbourne?
I think that you will find that it is one son. While he had an interest in aviation after a wheels up landing (which i witnessed), and possibly another, he appeared to lose interest.
Used to work for Nat, not the easiest of bosses, but was fair. Loved his flying, I spent many hours with him in his Aztec and later Navajo. Had a great way of doing things, straight lined it every time. After buying Southampton he bought Halfpenny Green, the latter he knocked into business shape and sold on. Remember a trip up there from Southampton, airborne, climb, direct track, wasn't bothered about something called "Green 1"!
Shame about Panshanger, what next Wellesbourne?
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GA shoots itself in the foot
Rumor has it that an Israeli man of some character owns the lease which expires this fall. His attitude problems were key to making sure they weren't renewed.
The landowners wanted him out and the CAA has little to do with him anymore.
The key to being influential in your cause is:
1) Having money, and
2) Building successful relationships with lawyers and powerful people in government
This has neither.
The landowners wanted him out and the CAA has little to do with him anymore.
The key to being influential in your cause is:
1) Having money, and
2) Building successful relationships with lawyers and powerful people in government
This has neither.
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Panshanger Aerodrome