Airport panel to face questions at public meeting

RESIDENTS are hoping to hear more detail on the future of Shoreham Airport at a public meeting on Monday.
The terminal building, one area for concern at Shoreham Airport D14182134aThe terminal building, one area for concern at Shoreham Airport D14182134a
The terminal building, one area for concern at Shoreham Airport D14182134a

Questions will be posed to a panel including Jonathan Candelon, managing director at Brighton City Airport Limited (BCAL), East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tim Loughton and Lib-Dem campaigner Jemima Bland.

The Grade II* listed terminal building and historic airport have been a cause for concern among residents for months, while a deal was sealed to ensure their future.

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The meeting, organised by the Shoreham Society, follows a question and answer session it held at St Peter’s Church hall in March.

Mr Loughton said he hoped more details would be forthcoming from those directly involved in the recent deal, which saw BCAL make a pledge to manage airport operations for the next 30 years and leaseholder Albermarle agree to finance the refurbishment of the terminal building.

“Albermarle still has serious questions to answer about its own intentions regarding the non-flying operations,” he said.

“They need to demonstrate that they have the resources to undertake the work and get on with it urgently.”

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Shoreham Society chairman Gerard Rosenberg will ask panel members to address continuing speculation about the airport and answer questions from the public.

The meeting, at the Ropetackle Arts Centre at 7.30pm, will seek clarification about the intentions for the art deco terminal building after long delays in the promised restoration work and details of long-term plans for air operations, plus potential building development on airport land.

Questions about noise and air pollution controls are also likely, especially if there is a prospect of airport activities expanding.

BCAL recently announced an upgrade to the instrument approach procedures and said this would benefit users, operators and airport neighbours.

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It would mean better control in reduced visibility and poor weather, and enable aircraft to fly a more accurate track, causing less disturbance to people in the approach areas.

Mr Candelon said: “We are committed to a continual improvement programme of services and systems at the airport. We want to lead and use the latest technology available in the industry, in order to deliver the best possible service to our customers, their clients and our neighbours.”

Before the public meeting, there will be a free film show at 6.30pm, featuring Shoreham Aerodrome, a 48-minute historical film.

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