A month after the committee deferred its decision because of concerns about increased noise at the site, Ports of Jersey were back to try again this week.
This time, the committee, chaired by St Mary Constable Juliette Gallichan, unanimously approved proposals for three new aircraft hangars – each measuring 55 metres by 40 metres with a maximum height of 16.9 metres. They can now be built near the Airport’s radar tower, and opposite Les Ormes’ self-catering accommodation at the top of Mont á la Brune.
Doug Bannister, the chief executive of Ports of Jersey, who attended the meeting, said: ‘We are pleased to have received planning permission, which allows us to progress with our exciting plans. This project will bring much needed capacity to service customer demands in the corporate aviation sector.
‘As a business it will enable Ports of Jersey to deliver increased value and return from our assets, as well as providing a showcase project for the corporate aviation industry in Jersey, attracting greater interest in our developments.’
At the previous planning application hearing, neighbours of the site, including the Bosdet Foundation, which owns Les Ormes, opposed the proposals. As a result, the committee told Ports to meet the objectors and to come back with reassurances that everything would be
done to mitigate the effects of increased aircraft activity in the area.
Speaking on behalf of the department, planning officer John Nicholson recommended that the proposals be approved. He told the meeting that following discussions between the parties, noise and acoustic consultants and further studies into aircraft noise levels, he was satisfied that Ports of Jersey’s revised plans met all the committee’s requirements.
Additional measures will include erecting a 183-metre-long sound-proof fence along the apron boundary, introducing additional noise monitoring procedures and applying enforcement regulations to reduce noise levels.
Mike Graham, the general manager of the Bosdet Foundation, thanked Ports of Jersey for listening to their concerns and amending the plans.
He said: ‘We think the Airport has now taken a reasonable approach and that the fence will deliver what we asked for and overall it will provide a better environment for our staff and customers.
‘We appreciate that the Airport has to be commercial and needs to develop its business to increase income, so there has to be a bit of a balance.’
However, Robert McAllister, who said his property was closest to the where the hangars would be built, maintained his opposition.
He said: ‘As the application stands, three new hangars will come into operation close to my family home and I am concerned about the noise levels if three jets land at the same time.
‘Staff will be wearing ear defenders but my family will not.’
Mrs Gallichan was sitting with Deputies Jeremy Maçon, Russell Labey and Graham Truscott.
