Transfer raises concern for future of historic airfield

THE future of one of North Yorkshire’s most historically important airfields has been thrown into doubt after it was revealed the site could have new owners next month.

Burn Airfield, near Selby, which was one of 12 major airfields operating in the country during the Second World War, is expected to be transferred to the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) on September 19.

It is currently owned by the soon-to-be-abolished regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, which is selling off a number of assets to the national housing and regeneration agency. The news has sparked fresh concern among members of the Burn Gliding Club, who planned to buy the airfield to ensure the future of the organisation which has been on the site for 30 years.

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After studying the HCA’s strategic framework, which includes improving the supply and quality of housing, the club fears the site will be built on. But members remain hopeful the HCA will focus on its objective to support local communities.

Club spokesman Chris Cooper said: “Really we want to know what they are going to do. We were a little surprised by this because we were led to believe the sale would happen in good time and we were prepared to put in a bid. We actually didn’t find out until we submitted it. Now we are waiting to see what will happen. Hopefully it’s good news but it’s a little early to be really positive.”

The club’s lease at the airfield runs out in February and Selby and Ainsty MP Nigel Adams has agreed to back its appeal to the HCA for a long-term extension. The Tory MP has written to the head of the HCA to seek assurances the lease will be renewed.

A spokesman for the HCA said: “Burn Airfield is one of a number of former Yorkshire Forward assets that we are expecting to be transferred to the HCA in September, and we are working hard to complete those transfers at the moment. Once the transfer is complete, we will be more than happy to discuss future ownership and use of the sites with all interested parties, including Burn Gliding Club.”

Burn Airfield was used to launch Halifax bombers in vital raids against Germany’s largest cities, including one after which RAF pilot Cyril Barton was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.

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