Plan for new air ambulance base after airfield sale

The Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) wants to create a new base in Nottinghamshire

An air ambulance charity says it has applied for planning permission to create a new base in Nottinghamshire.

The Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) wants to create a new site on land located just south of the A52 and A606 roundabout in Edwalton.

It comes after the charity's current base, Tollerton Airfield, was sold for development.

The charity said Brian Wells - who used to own the airfield - pledged the site in Edwalton as a gift to the LNAA - subject to securing planning permission.

Reliant entirely on donations, the LNAA said the proposed development for the gifted land was a "rare opportunity".

Tollerton Airfield closed in the summer after its current owners, The Vistry Group, which plans to build 1,600 homes and a school at the site, served notice on the operators.

A consultation into the plans closed on Wednesday.

The Vistry Group previously said it would continue to provide a landing zone for the air ambulance during the initial phase of development

The LNAA said the move to the new site in Edwalton "would potentially provide critical infrastructure" to the charity.

Chief executive Karen Jobling said: "This proposed new base is about saving more lives.

"We are humbled by the generosity of Mr Wells, and we know our supporters will be with us every step of the way should we be successful in our bid for planning permission."

The charity said it responded to 1,724 incidents in 2024, with demand on the rise.

It added there were "1.5 missed missions" each day because of the crew already being out on another emergency call.

"Many of these occur in Nottinghamshire, underlining the urgent need to an LNAA base there," it said.

Mr Wells said the charity was close to his heart and one he had been involved with for many years.

He said he hoped his donation would inspire others to donate and help to save lives.