Abingdon Airfield

20230926-2024_At_A_Glance_Inc_Times

Dear Resident,

As those of you who attended our last parish council meeting on Monday 30th October will be aware we were in the final stages of negotiation with the Army over the number of ‘noise generating events’ planned for the airfield in 2024. From the outset this Council took the stance that:-

 the noise levels created and disruption to residents caused by the ‘Motor Cross’, motorcycle event in July was totally unacceptable

 following research by a local resident, we were aware that the maximum number of ‘motorsport’ events allowable under ‘General Permitted Development Rights’ was 14 days and this was the target we would seek to achieve (although we have no powers of enforcement).

 we would engage with the ‘Planning Enforcement’ and ‘Environmental Health’ departments of the Vale of White Horse District Council requesting such enforcement  measures as were available to them

 we would seek publication of an annual list of events (on our website) giving dates and timings for events to be held which would be regularly updated by the Army.

 we would seek reasonable ‘noise mitigation’ action by the promotors of events

 notwithstanding the activities of other agencies, we would seek to maintain a co-operative liaison/negotiation channel between ourselves and the Army for the benefit of the local community.

I am now able to share with you the Army’s planned programme of motorsports events for 2024.  We have asked the Army to include all events generating significant noise levels, hence the inclusion of Abingdon Jets, Springfest, the Air Show and the two fireworks events.

There are, as you will see, 14 days of motorsport events, shared between Blendini, Carnival and Motorsports in conformity with ‘General Permitted Development Rights’. ‘Set up’ days are not counted as event days as there will, I am assured, be no significant vehicle use.

In line with the view of the overwhelming majority of those residents who have attended our last three meetings our focus is and will remain on ‘noise generating’ events on the Airfield. There will, of course, be many other activities taking place but these will not be included in the calendar published on our website.

Dealing with this issue has stretched our resources to the limit and I am grateful for the commitment of my fellow (volunteer) Councillors. We will continue to discharge our responsibility to our community by monitoring noise generating events on the airfield, monitoring event duration and traffic issues. David O’Hara is awaiting timings from  promoters, these will be included in the calendar as they become available.

I am conscious that we have been but one element in achieving this outcome which represents a dramatic reduction in events and will, I hope, improve the lives,of those living in close proximity to the airfield. In particular I would like to thank Cllr Dr Robert Clegg, District Councillor for Marcham  who has been instrumental in securing the response from the appropriate Vale of White Horse officers. For the record I would also like to thank Lt. Col Gartside who, throughout our negotiations has shown himself always willing to listen and has shown, I believe, regard for the views of our residents. I am also indebted to those residents who have contributed constructively to achieving this outcome.

As you may be aware we recently lost the services of our Clerk, Anna. Whilst we hope to recruit a replacement early in the new year day to day business is having to be conducted by myself and my fellow Councillors. I seek your forbearance, therefore, if there is any delay in posting this calendar on our website.

Michael Page QPM

Chair, St. Helen Without Parish Council