The government has decided to row back on proposals to zone land around Jurby Airfield.
However, the plans could still return under a proposed Ronaldsway Masterplan.
A government spokesman said: “There are currently no plans to expand the airfield in Jurby.
“Continuing to protect the land ensures the island has a long-term backup to Ronaldsway Airport, should the need arise.”
Reacting to the news, Jurby Parish Commissioners said: “It appears that all of the changes proposed are to be removed from the draft North and West Plan.
“JPC will make a statement as soon as they have had time to digest and understand the submission.”
Additional Submission
The new wording for the area plan is as follows:
Within the North and West there are two major former airfields, one situated at Andreas and one at Jurby. The strategic importance of the Jurby Airfield as a potential contingency to Ronaldsway Airport is recognised by the Department of Infrastructure (Airport Division), however this has yet to be formally assessed.
Government’s supplementary submission to the area plan inquiry
Future
While the news will be celebrated by some residents who were feared the consequences of a redevelopment of the airfield, the matter is not closed.
In its new submission for the area plan, the government said the master plan “will also address the issue of any long term strategic mitigation options for Ronaldsway Airport which may involve further consideration of Jurby Airfield”
The spokesman added: “Safeguarding for the Jurby Airfield and the surrounding land has been in place since 2004. The Department of Infrastructure will engage with the local community in the autumn to fully explain the need to continue to safeguard land around the airfield and what expansion, if any, might mean for those living and working in and around Jurby.
“The Airport Masterplan, which is currently being developed, will explore plans for improving and enhancing the current facilities in the south of the Island and will include the role that Jurby Airfield currently plays and what may be required in the long term future to ensure the island’s air connectivity is protected.”
The government has said it will engage with the communities potentially impacted by any possible measures and “as such is committed to undertaking focused workshops to explain the circumstances which may lead to any further use of Jurby Airfield”.
4 Comments