A planning application to rebuild and extend the runway at Alderney Airport, together with a new passenger terminal and fire station, was approved by the Building & Development Control Committee at its meeting on May 30th.
There were nine conditions attached to the approval including archaeological investigations on a small part of Lager Sylt and the ancient barrow at Hougette de la Taillie which will be affected, the submission of a detailed drainage scheme for the terminal, fire station and car park, and prior land and water pollution analysis.
The committee also confirmed no de-icing of the runway and apron would take place unless a satisfactory management plan based on actual data is submitted.
None of about 20 islanders attending the meeting was opposed to the application and the committee decided a public inquiry was not necessary as only two objections were received ahead of the application, falling short of the level of public interest that would trigger such a hearing.
Building & Development Control Committee (BDCC) Chairman Kevin Gentle said: “Our planning officers have put in many hours of hard work on this matter, examining every aspect of the application, and concluded that the benefits to Alderney very clearly outweigh any potential issues with nature or heritage. The extent of the development means that we have sought advice from a range of specialists including Environment Guernsey and wildlife and heritage organisations in Alderney and Guernsey.
“The application met all criteria for approval and satisfied the relevant policies of the 2017 Land Use Plan. This project will future proof the island’s social and economic resilience, including essential medevac services for a community with an ageing demographic.
“We considered every aspect and listened to the opinions of islanders and professionals along with considerable accompanying evidence, as well as extensive legal advice, before concurring with the officers’ recommendation to approve.”
