Viewing

[cambrian5619]

I think that there is a need for a viewing facility not just for the hard core spotters who can drive to the perimeter viewing spots (while they last) but also for the large number of family and friends who used to enjoy dropping people off or meeting people at the Airport.

Many of those who are interested in the Airport today owe a great deal to the opportunity that the old balcony gave them to get up relatively close and see, hear and smell the activity on the apron.

The interest and income potential that viewing gives is demonstrated by the success of facilities at Manchester and other Airports in the UK and abroad e.g. - Amsterdam and Frankfurt - not to mention Vancouver!

[baldyman26]

Yes maybe so, but I think any facility, or area the airport supply would be used as an excuse to make a fair wack of money from the honest spotter. What we have now is acceptable to a point, although how long we will have access to the mound etc is anybodys guess. The airport doesn't have the variety our neighbour down the road does. Maybe because of this, interest will be lost in a veiwing area quite quickly and revenues will not cover costs.

[Speke-EZY]

Don't forget the Mersey Way footpath/cycle route runs along outside the south side of the airport. As footpaths are increasingly being promoted as important amenities,I doubt that this will be closed to public access. In fact the long-term plans for airport development published a few years ago,including a new south-side cargo terminal,continued to show this path in its current location.

[john1958]

Guys, you're saying a barrier will close off Dungeon Lane.......what about the people who live down there? Alwys seems to be a fair amount of traffic up and down on the occasions I'm sat there!!!!

John

[viscount]

As far as I'm aware, the houses (former farms) are the reason why the Airport Company cannot close off the public road. However the public road across the threshold is thought to be one of the delays behind full implementation of Cat.III I.L.S. on 27. There is considerable cost to putting in a road, drainage etc looping around through the fields from Hale Road, which would be the ideal answer, keeping access open to the farmers, residents and ATC employees. The condrum has existed for some years.

[LPL]

If they are to commit to the Masterplan then they are going to have to build a road into that area anyway.

[Speke-EZY]

Viscount ,I think you mean "conundrum"...I've seen plenty of discarded "condrums" around Oglet Lane,but that's just a part of the overall litter problem!

[denim402]

Long time no post for me, but still a forum viewer...
Although I didn't attend this months Hale Parish Council meeting for April,,, I believe this road closure and new road scheme was brought up at last nights parish meeting - and Dungeon Lane is to go.
Once a new road is in place, residents of Oglet and workers will be allowed access via a barrier which will need some sort of id recognition system, either number plate id or swipe id card. Us spotters will no longer be able to get any further than the small horse paddock/triangle on Baileys Lane.
I was told cctv etc etc, will be in place too, also double yellow lines will be added to Baileys Lane- not sure where abouts though.
edit.
About 300mtrs will be used up and a new road will run parallel with Dungeon Lane right through the middle of the field, near the old Dove an Olive location.
Please note, this is 2nd hand info I was told this morning...

Will find out more during the week.

[andyh]

I believe a planning application is imminent. The main reason is the lack of an adequate clear area for the runway end safety zone which at present is only 37m as opposed to the recommended 150m. I would guess this is also the reason we are still not CAT III.

[baldyman26]

So there will be no (public) access to the GA, or will that be as far as you can go up Dungeon Lane.

[denim402]

Not seen anyone today to ask properly.
The part of Dungeon Lane under the lights and into the GA will be history. A new road will be built from somewhere near up past the Dove and Olive, (I am guessing here on a comment made by the person who told me),,,Baileys Lane will be a dead end/Cul De Sac. Access via vehicle - to and past The GA and Oglet, will require an id swipe card or similar. I guess this new road will be made so it goes or splinters off to the GA?

[Biggles]

Depending on which local authority covers the area, you should be able to check out the current planning applications online via the post code then you should e able to see what has actually been applied for.

[Speke-EZY]

Is there still an intention to extend the runway eastwards? If so.I would have thought it sensible to plan the positioning of associated infrastructure such as roads/ILS/approach lighting etc. to fit the proposed developments,rather than spend millions on temporary alterations which will all have to be torn up and re-located at further cost.

[baldyman26]

Has the subject of a viewing area / parking area been raised with airport management, and if so what was the response ?

[LPL]

May 2, 2012 23:27:09 GMT 1 Biggles said:

Depending on which local authority covers the area, you should be able to check out the current planning applications online via the post code then you should e able to see what has actually been applied for.

The airport is putting a planning application into Halton BC to erect new fencing as part of the compliance regarding the 'Runway End Safety Area' as directed to by the CAA.