Former RAF base now used as TV studio could be turned into research facility

Part of a film and TV studio which has been used to make hit shows such as Victoria could soon be converted into a research facility.
By Nathan Hyde
Published 1st Nov 2021, 08:27 BST
Updated 1st Nov 2021, 17:58 BST

Selby District Council has been asked to grant planning permission for a new facility in a hangar at Leeds East Airport.The hangar is currently used as Church Fenton Yorkshire Studios, which was set up by Screen Yorkshire and property investors Makin Enterprises.

The owners say two aircraft hangars on the site will continue to be used as a studio, if the plans for the cladding research facility are approved.

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A report submitted by the applicants to the council states: “The whole facility will be dedicated to testing construction products and materials, predominantly used for cladding buildings.

Church Fenton runs a hangar at Leeds East AirportChurch Fenton runs a hangar at Leeds East Airport
Church Fenton runs a hangar at Leeds East Airport

“Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, cladding from both the UK and the EU will undergo the testing to ensure safety standards are met.

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“The aviation use of the wider site and the remainder of the land and buildings at the aerodrome will continue alongside this proposed development.”

A planning application has been submitted by Makin Enterprises and CA Group and they are currently awaiting a decision.

The site was used as a Royal Air Force base in the 1930s, before it became Leeds East Airport.

Related topics:RAF

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