Another airfield is being threatened with a ‘garden village’ – this time Fairoaks in Surrey. Businesses at the airfield have been sent a notice from the owners saying the proposal to build ‘high quality’ housing could start as early as 2018.
The development would help Surrey Heath Borough Council meet its need for homes, business space and community facilities, says the notice.
“Airport operations would cease as part of the redevelopment proposal,” the notice says. “Should a redevelopment be permitted, those businesses on site who are not reliant on aircraft operations will be encouraged to remain and occupy the proposed new business premises.
“Prior to a planning application being submitted, the team will be undertaking a comprehensive consultation process, starting early next year, to develop and incorporate the garden village principles into a masterplan.
“Fairoaks Garden Village Limited will provide details of upcoming consultation events in the New Year.
“We recognise that there will be a number of queries regarding the proposals and we will be arranging tenant meetings to be held on site in the near future and will send details shortly.”
No details have been released about the aviation businesses on Fairoaks Airport, which include Gama Engineering, Starspeed Helicopters, Barnes Simmons (aviation safety specialists) and Synergy Aviation, a private aircraft charter and management company.
