Alderney presses ahead with plans for redeveloping airport

It was announced yesterday that a planning application to strengthen and extend the runway, and construct a new passenger terminal and fire station would go before Alderney’s Building & Development Control Committee on 30 May.

The application was submitted in November, along with a report on the environmental impact of the works. Alderney’s planning officials have been studying it since then.

‘I hope the committee can support the application and grant full approval,’ said Alderney States member and representative in the States of Guernsey, Alex Snowdon.

‘As an important part of Bailiwick infrastructure, we must get spades in the ground to deliver this much-needed project.

‘It is vital works start on the runway sooner rather than later as safety concerns will increase as the tarmac gets thinner and thinner. We run the risk of reducing operating times or, even worse, runway closures, if no action is taken in the near future to resolve the crumbling runway.’

A detailed report from officials will be available from 15 May, ahead of the committee meeting at the Island Hall’s Anne French Room.

The report and background papers will be published on the States of Alderney website and copies will be available to the public to view at the Planning Office during normal business hours.

‘The application seeks permission for the reconstruction, lengthening and widening of the current asphalt runway, reconfiguration of the bravo taxiway and resurfacing of the apron area,’ said a spokesman for the States of Alderney.

‘New aerodrome ground approach lighting and drainage are included along with the construction of new terminal and fire station buildings.’

Guernsey’s States backed the scheme, with an estimated cost of £24m., in December 2022, although many deputies predicted the final bill would be much higher unless the scheme was modified.

It was put forward by the States’ Trading Supervisory Board, with the support of the then Policy & Resources Committee, which said an extension would lead to savings in the annual subsidy to run air routes to Alderney.

But deputies were assured the project would be returned to the Assembly if estimated costs escalated and the president of the current P&R, Deputy Lyndon Trott, has said he wants it re-examined for value for money.

The board said last summer that it hoped the redevelopment of the airport would start in spring 2024. But it is believed still to be a few weeks away from announcing tender prices and appointing a contractor.

The size and complexity of the planning application for the project has delayed some routine planning matters in Alderney.

The committee intends to consider some regular applications at its June meeting, but expects that most current applications will be dealt with late in July.