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Suffolk County Council has urged the government to prevent the closure of a key Civil Aviation Authority department that helps protect local airfields and communities.
Why it matters: The Civil Aviation Authority's Airfield Advisory Team provides guidance on ensuring infrastructure projects don't compromise airfield safety across Suffolk. The team is currently involved in decisions about major developments, including pylons and solar farms.
The big picture: The team is set to close after March 2025. According to the council, it currently provides expert aviation guidance for:
The proposed Norwich to Tilbury pylon project
Solar farm developments
Wind turbine installations
What they're saying: "The effective and technical advice that we have received from the Airfield Advisory Team has been essential to a number of projects that we respond to on behalf of Suffolk's communities," says Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council's Deputy Cabinet Member for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
Context: In July 2024, Suffolk County Council formally objected to the Norwich to Tilbury pylon project, stating that nine airfields could face "serious implications" from the proposals.
Key concerns raised:
Future infrastructure projects could lack aviation expertise in their planning
Planning decisions may proceed without specialist scrutiny
Safety considerations around airfields could be compromised
Effects of developments like solar glare and pylon placement may not be properly assessed
The bottom line: The council has written to Aviation Minister Mike Kane requesting a review of the closure decision. The letter can be read in full on the council's website.
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