Gatwick Aviation Museum

Gatwick Aviation Museum (GAM), is to appeal against Mole Valley District Council's (MVDC) rejection of their plan for redevelopment of the Museum site. The redevelopment would house most of the aircraft and all of the associated equipment, documents and displays. At the Development Control Committee meeting on 6th July, it was clear from some of their questions later that a number of the Committee members had not read their copies. There is a strong bias against GAM, largely evident in the behaviour of Charlwood-resident Committee members, their forte is to press their conviction that the Green Belt Rules are sacrosanct Regulations with the force of law. They are in fact five guidance statements allowing local councils to choose the most appropriate option when considering whether to allow proposals such as GAM's.

Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) approved 329 out of 979 applications in the green belt in 2010/11, similar to the previous year, when 391 out of 926 were permitted. [source: ThisIsSurrey] .... Despite this, it is the 'Green Belt' issue that is always raised as the council's primary objection to the Gatwick Aviation Museum redevelopment.

A member of the engineering team was recently heard to admit that "if we don't get the airframes under cover soon we will start to lose the battle with the elements and have to consider scrapping some".

These aircraft and the collecition are an important part of the rich aviation heritage of this country. They may not have the mass appeal of the Spitfire or the Lancaster but they deserve to be preserved as a testimony to the many brave servicemen who fought the Cold War and kept the citizens of this country safe throughout those fearful, tense years.

There is no collection like this anywhere in the South East of England, the councils statement that "It's an inappropriate location for an aircraft museum" is clearly preposterous, given it's co-location to Gatwick airport. With the current concern about youth unemployment, the museum with it's close ties to the Central Sussex College, is providing an essential resource. Some weeks more than 100 students use the museum's resources to further their education and ambitions.

So, if you feel that the Councils rejection should be overturned and the museum be allowed to redevelop this old, dilapidated chicken farm and provide a enduring home and resource for this collection, please write a letter expressing your support and address it to:

THE APPOINTED INSPECTOR (MO/2011/0190)
Gatwick Aviation Museum
Vallance By Ways
Lowfield Heath Road
CHARLWOOD
Surrey
RH6 0BT

click the link or address email to
gpvgat@aol.com
Click this link to send email

Gatwick Aviation Museum applies for planning permission to replace old, dirty, delapidated ex chicken sheds for a new environmentally advanced building!
Updated 6^th July 2011!! ! ! Mole Valley council votes 12 to 7 to refuse planning permission ! !
Call from Gatwick Aviation Museum for support for the planning appeal
Gatwick Aviation Museum (GAM), is to appeal against Mole Valley District Council's (MVDC) rejection of their plan for redevelopment of the Museum site. The redevelopment would house most of the aircraft and all of the associated equipment, documents and displays. At the Development Control Committee meeting on 6th July, it was clear from some of their questions later that a number of the Committee members had not read their copies. There is a strong bias against GAM, largely evident in the behaviour of Charlwood-resident Committee members, their forte is to press their conviction that the Green Belt Rules are sacrosanct Regulations with the force of law. They are in fact five guidance statements allowing local councils to choose the most appropriate option when considering whether to allow proposals such as GAM's. Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) approved 329 out of 979 applications in the green belt in 2010/11, similar to the previous year, when 391 out of 926 were permitted. [source: ThisIsSurrey] .... Despite this, it is the 'Green Belt' issue that is always raised as the council's primary objection to the Gatwick Aviation Museum redevelopment. A member of the engineering team was recently heard to admit that "if we don't get the airframes under cover soon we will start to lose the battle with the elements and have to consider scrapping some". These aircraft and the collecition are an important part of the rich aviation heritage of this country. They may not have the mass appeal of the Spitfire or the Lancaster but they deserve to be preserved as a testimony to the many brave servicemen who fought the Cold War and kept the citizens of this country safe throughout those fearful, tense years. There is no collection like this anywhere in the South East of England, the councils statement that "It's an inappropriate location for an aircraft museum" is clearly preposterous, given it's co-location to Gatwick airport. With the current concern about youth unemployment, the museum with it's close ties to the Central Sussex College, is providing an essential resource. Some weeks more than 100 students use the museum's resources to further their education and ambitions. So, if you feel that the Councils rejection should be overturned and the museum be allowed to redevelop this old, dilapidated chicken farm and provide a enduring home and resource for this collection, please write a letter expressing your support and address it to: THE APPOINTED INSPECTOR (MO/2011/0190) Gatwick Aviation Museum Vallance By Ways Lowfield Heath Road CHARLWOOD Surrey RH6 0BT or click the link or address email to gpvgat@aol.com Click this link to send email
Link to information about the planning application made by the museum to Mole Valley Council on the 16^th of February 2011

Opening dates for 2012 (Sundays)
March	11, 25
April	8, 22
May	13, 27
June	3, 17
July	1, 15, 29
August	12, 26, 27(Mon)
September	9, 23
October	7


12^th Feb 2011 - Buccaneer XN923 runs the starboard Gyron Junior	The last run of WR982(J) on the 6^th of December 2008

Please note the information shown below!!!!

From March 2012 until October 2012 inclusive, it will be possible to view this aircraft collection on certain days without an appointment. The dates that the museum is open during 2012 are shown below.
New for 2012!! From the 10^thMarch 2012 the museum will be open EVERY Saturday throughout the year (in addition to the Sundays specified below) to visitors without an appointment. The same opening and closing times will be observed i.e. 10:30 'til 16:00.


BAPC Member	Registered Charity No. 1075858

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