IT IS offensive by Mr Hodge to suggest the article by Mr Joyce was “nimbyist” with regards the tragic aircraft crashes at Blackbushe and Oulton Park.

While we await the official findings from the Air Accident Board on the causes of the crashes, we can only speculate on the facts.

The issue is not that there is no relevance to Old Sarum, it is that, due to the proposed development, there will be increased risk of damage to buildings and injuries to personnel if an air incident occurs. Increased flying activity and increased development on the airfield equals risk.

Mr Hodge quotes the Civil Aviation Authority’s comments stating they “do not believe the housing structures shown in the elevation plan present any hazard to civil aviation as en-route obstructions.”

These comments are irrelevant when referred to a risk to personnel and buildings if an air incident occurred; the comment was based on operational landings and take-offs.

The proposal by Mr Hodge is increased flying activity including displays, and increased domestic and industrial / commercial building within the airfield.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council have recognised the risk emanating from the tragic accident at Blackbushe and have taken steps to mitigate risk. See below: “Organisers of the One Love Festival have decided to move the music festival after the recent nearby plane crash in Blackbushe. Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, the local authority responsible for the site, have decided not to allow the festival to proceed on the site and deemed it unsuitable for fears of having to evacuate 2,000 to 3,000 from the Popham Airfield.”

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council have accepted there is a risk of flying and close proximity of people / structures, and have set a precedent.

MIKE SHEPHERD

FORD