Government has no plans to build airport in Jurby

Residents views were heard at public meeting into airfield

Government has no plans to build an airport in Jurby.

That was the message to the more than 100 people who attended a public meeting into the proposals for Jurby Airfield last night.

Residents in Jurby asked questions about house values, future plans and why it was necessary to have the ‘safeguarding’ area zoned in the Draft North and West Area Plan.

They were invited to ask questions to a panel of people which included area MHKs Alf Cannan and Tim Johnston, Isle of Man Government Chief Executive Andy Ralphs, Manx Wildlife Trust representative David Bellamy and Airports Director Gary Cobb.

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper spoke to some residents after the meeting:

A presentation was given by Mr Ralphs and Mr Cobb explaining their position. 

Mr Ralphs said 'lessons had been learnt' about the lack of public engagement and consultation over the map of the runway.

He also said during the meeting that the government now 'recognises' that the matter was of both national importance and 'could have done better'. 

Mr Ralphs also maintained that 'due process' had been followed by the government throughout the planning period.

Airport Director Gary Cobb was asked about why there had been so much land zoned for 'safeguarding', he said the application was for airspace and to ensure nothing would be built that could affect the proposed plans at Jurby Airfield. 

He also said there has been a safeguard around Jurby Airfield since 2004 for 1.5km and believed it would be 'prudent' to have a contingency space in case there was an emergency at Ronaldsway. 

Increasing the safeguard to 2km would make it the same as Ronaldsway, and allow bigger aircraft to land - he confirmed that only 20 to 30 percent of planes currently in use would be able to land at Jurby currently.

Mr Cobb said at the meeting that the maps had been pulled out of the draft plan and were being moved to the Airports Masterplan, and the airfield will instead be considered under that document:

Both Mr Cobb and Mr Ralphs reiterated numerous times that there are no plans to build an airport in Jurby. 

Ayre and Michael MHK Alf Cannan said he was sorry for the stress and anxiety caused by the plans, but still believed that the government had followed due process. 

Mr Cannan also said that if there was a proposal to have an airport in Jurby, he would think carefully before voting either way: