Altho’ I do not know the precise circumstances surrounding the closure of Panshanger and in particular the problems of re-locating some of the businesses such as NLFS, it adds impetus to my suggestion that there should be a statutory duty incumbent upon any prospective developer to provide – where practicable – alternative airfield facilities within a ten mile radius of the aifield under threat of development.

This seems to me to be a fair and balanced way of satisfying conflicting demands. I mentioned this point in a letter to Grant Shaps MP. when he called for ideas and suggestions as part of his Red Tape Challenge.

We will not get this incorporated into Planning law unless pressure is exerted by the aviation community.