As many who frequent this forum will know, my concern (millstone) is the plight of former RAF Driffield (East Riding of Yorkshire). Some time ago I was told (via PM) to go away and not pester others regarding RAF Driffield. I was advised not to come knocking, unless I had news regarding the site, or was able to provide others with an opportunity to express their own concerns and objections (through local planning participation). That time is now.
The local council (ERYC) are currently preparing “Allocations Development Plan Document”, which eventually will be a list of sites allocated for development (housing building). RAF Driffield is a prime candidate for redevelopment, and this is your opportunity to contribute towards the debate.
Link to Driffield – Part One is here: http://easysite.eastriding.gov.uk/EasySiteWeb/GatewayLink.aspx?alId=69010
Link to Driffield – Part Two is here: http://easysite.eastriding.gov.uk/EasySiteWeb/GatewayLink.aspx?alId=69069
Former RAF Driffield is a brownfield site and is destined for total destruction. That said, it might be possible to assign to Driffield (DRIF18 to DRIF22 inclusive) a series of guidelines – preventing inappropriate redevelopment or to assist in guiding future planning decisions.
Personally I’m not against redevelopment – but I am against inappropriate behaviour – the mindset to demolish our heritage for the sole purpose of profit, profit and more profit. RAF Driffield will never become a living museum like Duxford.
However, many of the original structures can still be reused and there is ample space to build affordable dwellings. Most of the decay (sanctioned or unchecked vandalism) is superficial. The 68 married quarters were valued at £6.8m and the accommodation blocks if converted into 48 apartments were valued at around £7.2m. I understand that my preferred bidder for the site might still be interested in securing these buildings. The officer’s mess needs a lot of work doing to it, but could easily be converted into a hotel or residential home.
Of prime concern is that the Army Cadet Force enclave might be largely demolished, with the ACF being moved to a less attractive part of the site. The ACF enclave contains the guardroom and station HQ and is well loved by both cadets and staff.
The Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD) is an important part of the East Riding Local Development Framework (LDF), which is another document that sets out the future of our countryside and townscape. When adopted, it will allocate pieces of land for specific uses, including for housing, employment, retail, open space and transport.
How can YOU get involved?
The East Riding of Yorkshire Council are keen to hear what you think by either commenting on the interactive version or filling in our questionnaire and returning it to them:
Potential Sites Consultation Interactive Version http://eastriding.limehouse.co.uk/portal/forward_planning/allocations_dpd/potential_sites
Potential Sites Consultation Questionnaire*(MS Word) http://easysite.eastriding.gov.uk/EasySiteWeb/GatewayLink.aspx?alId=69283
Because the deadline is Monday 12th July I would suggest that you either use the interactive version or email your questionnaire document to [email]forward.planning@eastriding.gov.uk[/email]
Please note that due to essential maintenance some services on the East Riding of Yorkshire Council website will be unavailable from 9am on the 10th*July (Saturday) until late11th July (Sunday).
Potential Sites Consultation Interactive Version http://eastriding.limehouse.co.uk/portal/forward_planning/allocations_dpd/potential_sites is easy to use, but does require you to input your name and address, but that’s not an issue when the future of this site is at stake.
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July 9, 2010 at 11:11 pm