Green light for Enniksillen aeropark plans

COUNCIL planners have recommended granting permission for a new holiday destination at St Angelo Airport, which it is hoped will attract aviation enthusiasts to the area.
Plans were resubmitted for the development of ten self-catering ‘hanger homes’ a the Enniskillen airport in March this year, after initially been submitted this time last year.
The plan for the ‘aeropark’, which is expected to attract affluent visitors to the area, also included the development of a private clubhouse, complete with kitchen, gym, swimming pool, and other leisure facilities.
Now, in a report due to be delivered to the Council’s planning committee tonight (Wednesday), it is recommended permission be approved for the project.
Noting it was a “major” application, the planning officials noted the aeropark would incorporate “holiday accommodation with integrated hangar accommodation for light aircraft as part of a unique aviation based tourism development on the edge o St Angelo Airport, and accesing onto the Killadeas Road.”
The planners said there were no objections, and all consultees were “content” with the proposals.
The idea is the brainchild of developer Peter Day, who had previously applied to build a similar aeropark near Portsmouth. Having had that application rejected, he turned his sights on Enniskillen.
Mr Day and his planning consultant previously met with Fermanagh and Omagh councillors, and said the meeting was “very positive”, in contrast to his previous dealings
with Fareham Borough Council in England.
Speaking after that previous meeting, local Cllr Roy Crawford gave his backing to the plans.
“I’m very supportive of this – I think it is a fantastic initiative,” he told the ‘Herald.
“The benefits could be people, for example, coming over for golf weekends and feed into the local economy that way while renting their aeropark hangar home as their actual base.
“Also from a tourism perspective, those coming over to stay can spend money in local bars and restaurants which would also be a boost to the local economy.”