Waleaf objects to airfield

GEORGE NEWS - The Wilderness and Lakes Environmental Action Forum (Waleaf) has objected to the proposed extension of the rural airfield in Hoekwil on Mandalay Farm.

George Herald in December 2023 reported on an application by the owner of the airfield, Peter Leppan of Leppan Farming Pty Ltd, to extend the runway and add hangars to his facilities.

Leppan had said there is a growing demand among light aircraft owners for flight training facilities in the area.

He proposes to extend the runway (currently 850m) to 1 075m, build at least five new hangars, and extend his existing hangar.

According to the application documents, aircraft flown from here are microlights, gyrocopters and fixed-wing planes. Training for pilots of all three types of craft is done here. The application is for upgrading the facilities, but also to get the airfield authorised under the latest George zoning scheme by-law.

Waleaf sent the following comment to George Herald:

Objections have been raised by Waleaf to the application to expand the airfield.

The objections raise several key points based on the information so far received. There will be further objections when answers have been received to other questions posed to the consultants for Leppan Airfield.

The objections are:
1. Incomplete information and lack of public involvement: The objection highlights concerns about insufficient information provided during a meeting and the absence of other interested and affected parties (I&APs), suggesting a lack of proper public participation in the proposed rezoning.

2. Legality issues: The objector questions the historical claims about the airfield's existence since 1996, pointing out discrepancies with Google Earth images. Additionally, there are allegations of illegal operations, including runway extensions and building constructions without municipal permission.

3. Zoning and land use issues: There's a detailed critique of the proposed rezoning, arguing that the current application does not comply with zoning regulations. The objection suggests that the airfield should be classified as an airport due to its business-oriented activities.

4. Environmental impact: Concerns are raised regarding potential environmental impacts, especially in relation to noise concerns, interference with local wildlife - especially birds, spatial development frameworks, and the application's compliance with the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA).

5. Operational issues: The objection questions the need for certain proposed expansions, such as runway extensions.

6. Public interest and opposition: The objection disputes the claim that public interest is limited, asserting that there is significant opposition, with many residents opposing the airport.

7. Commercial use and certification: The objection argues that the airfield's current use for business purposes, such as flight training and tourism-related activities, necessitates a reclassification as an airport. There are also concerns about the certification of the airfield itself, separate from individual aircraft.

Overall, the objection calls for a thorough reassessment of the application, addressing legal and procedural concerns, and ensuring compliance with zoning regulations and environmental considerations.

Consultant responds

Marlize de Bruyn of Marlize de Bruyn Town Planners who is handling the application on behalf of Leppan, responded as follows:

"We are not to enter into a debate. Waleaf has not yet submitted their comment to the municipality as they have been granted additional time to submit comment. When their comments are received, we will respond formally to the municipality."

Interest among private light aircraft owners has grown and there is a demand for pilot training at the Leppan Airfield.