Dunsfold Park Chief Executive Comments On Appeal Decision

Wednesday, 30 September 2009
Commenting on the Secretary of State’s decision to refuse permission for an eco village at Dunsfold Aerodrome,  Jim McAllister, Chief Executive of Dunsfold Park Ltd said,

“The decision by the Secretary of State to refuse the Master Plan proposals for a new Eco village at Dunsfold Aerodrome is both disappointing and confusing and places question marks over the Government’s commitment to Climate Change.
To refuse planning consent for the most environmentally responsible large scale eco-development proposed to date in Europe – far superior and more advanced than any of their own anticipated eco-towns - must surely put an end to the whole Eco-town agenda.

Environmental organisations, locally and nationally, have expressed their outrage and deep concern and are looking for answers on why a decision has been taken, based on outdated planning policies which give no weight and directly conflict with the Government’s own Climate Change agenda.
We will be examining the Secretary of State’s decision in detail to determine our next steps but in the meantime, we must ensure the continued economic well-being of all of the companies here at Dunsfold Park by maximising our existing planning consents where possible.”