Council moves to stall any attempts to redevelop closed airport

A planning measure that would make planning permission a necessity before any building on the Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) site can be demolished has been approved by councillors.

A report to City of Doncaster Council’s Portfolio Member for Planning had highlighted that the planning tool – which is known as an Article 4 Direction – could be made with immediate effect if approved and could help to preserve the airport and its operational ability.

Article 4 removes permitted development rights, which allow the owner to demolish buildings without permission.

Doncaster Council has said: “This is essential given the local and regional desire to see the airport re-open in the future.

“The direction would ensure any proposals to demolish buildings in the defined area are subject to a planning application and assessment via a full planning process.

“These buildings include the control tower, fire station, hangars, cargo and transit sheds, the runway and the terminal building.”

DSA was shut in November last year by its owners Peel L&P, despite strong opposition to the move from local and regional leaders. Peel argued that the airport was not financially viable.

Doncaster Council has said that over 96% of people who responded to a public consultation on the Article 4 Direction supported the move to safeguard the airport site.

And the council notes: “There are wider economic benefits in terms of Gross Value Added (GVA) generated from jobs and businesses directly or indirectly associated with the airport in both Doncaster, South Yorkshire and the UK.

“An airport enables access to and from international markets for trade, businesses and tourism. It can also act as a driver to stimulate growth in higher value economic sectors which are lacking in Doncaster and can drive GVA up as well as stimulating growth in supply chains.”

Close