How Jurby Airfield Zoning Plan Sparks Local Outrage Over Lack of Engagement

Image Name: Jurby Airfield Outrage

Northern residents are expressing significant frustration over a recent zoning proposal for the potential expansion of Jurby Airfield, citing a lack of public engagement and transparency. More than 100 concerned individuals gathered for a public meeting to address their concerns about the Draft Area Plan for the North and West, submitted by the Department of Infrastructure (DoI).

Community Concerns and Government Response
The main issue revolves around a map submitted by the DoI, which suggested a provisional zoning plan for the airfield’s expansion. This proposed extension would have increased the runway length by 500 meters (0.3 miles). Residents, particularly those living near the airfield, are worried about the potential impact on their properties and the community at large.

Andy Ralphs, the government chief executive, acknowledged the frustration and admitted that the government could have handled the public engagement process better. He emphasized that the situation highlighted the need for improved communication on matters of both national and local significance. Ralphs also confirmed that the government has revised its submission to the draft plan, removing the proposed expansion, and assured that the community will be consulted again this autumn during the development of the Airport Masterplan.

Impact on Local Residents
Fern Callister, a Jurby resident whose property lies within the proposed expansion zone, expressed deep concern over the potential devaluation of her home. She stated, “My world has been turned upside down” since learning about the proposal, voicing fears that the presence of a runway extension could significantly reduce her property’s market value.

Neighbor Vicki Wade also voiced her displeasure, criticizing the lack of transparency and the perceived damage to her farm’s value. Wade stated, “Until we get written confirmation from the government that the runway extension has been completely scrapped, we won’t rest, because we can’t afford to.”

Government and Airport Officials Address Concerns
The public meeting, hosted by the Jurby Parish Commissioners, included significant figures such as Airport Director Gary Cobb, Chief Minister Alfred Cannan, and Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston. Cobb explained that the proposal was initially developed to ensure that airspace at Jurby would be adequate in the event of a national emergency that might close Ronaldsway, the island’s primary airport, for an extended period. He clarified that while there are no current plans to build a new airport in the north, the existing runway at Jurby is too short to accommodate the larger aircraft that service up to 70% of the island’s passengers.

Both local Members of the House of Keys (MHKs) expressed their apologies for the anxiety and concern caused by the proposal. Chief Minister Alfred Cannan, who was recently made aware of the plans, welcomed the decision to retract the expansion map and support further consultations through the Airport Masterplan. Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston echoed Cannan’s sentiment, noting that the revised approach would provide residents with an opportunity to fully understand the implications and voice their opinions.

The revised zoning plan marks a significant shift in the approach towards the Jurby Airfield expansion proposal. The government’s commitment to more robust public consultation reflects an effort to address community concerns and ensure that future developments are more transparent and inclusive.

As the community awaits further updates, the focus remains on ensuring that the voices of local residents are heard and that any future plans for the airfield are handled with the necessary transparency and engagement. The upcoming consultation process will be crucial in rebuilding trust and addressing the concerns raised by those directly affected by the proposal.

Discover more insights in the original article on BBC