Redhill aerodrome could become 'garden village'

Plans to build a concrete runway at Redhill aerodrome were rejected in 2014 following a public inquiry

The owner of a Surrey aerodrome is considering creating a "garden village" after plans for a concrete runway were thrown out.

Redhill Aerodrome Ltd is working with a developer on plans for 4,500 homes, a school and new road access at the site.

It said without the concrete runway, which was rejected in 2014, its future is unviable.

Opponents argue it would spell the end of aviation in the area, at the cost of jobs.

The aerodrome's three grass airstrips are often flooded, preventing any flying from the site

Around 25 businesses - many aviation-related - operate on the site, but a spokesman for Redhill Aerodrome said the current grass runways are closed for up to three months each year due to flooding.

He argued that "thoughtful" redevelopment of the site could help solve the area's housing problems, sparing other green-belt sites, and create new jobs.

But aerodrome bosses and developer Thakeham will have to overcome local opposition, with two separate petitions attracting more than 1,000 signatures fearful of the prospective loss of jobs.

Aerodrome bosses say they are working with Kent Sussex and Surrey Air Ambulance to ensure it can continue operating in the area

Pilot Richard Blain, who runs a business at the aerodrome, said: "The hard runway was turned down predominantly because this is green-belt land.

"How one could conceive that an estate of some 10,000 people could succeed, I find very difficult to understand."

Redhill Aerodrome said it is working with Kent, Sussex and Surrey Air Ambulance to ensure it could continue operating from the area.