Dunsfold Aerodrome: A Tumultuous Past and Uncertain Future

Dunsfold Aerodrome, nestled in the Surrey countryside near the village of Cranleigh, holds a rich and varied history. Once a vital military airfield, it has since transitioned through various phases, including a hub for aircraft manufacturing, a filming location, and a site with ambitious housing development plans. However, recent events have cast a shadow over its future, leaving many in the local community and aviation enthusiasts concerned.

Wartime Origins and Canadian Ingenuity

The story of Dunsfold Aerodrome begins during World War II. Constructed by Canadian engineers and civilian contractors, it was designed as a Class A bomber airfield for Army Co-operation Command. The Canadian sappers, equipped with large-scale earth-moving equipment from North America under Lend-Lease arrangements, demonstrated remarkable efficiency. Facing the challenge of clearing two hundred acres of woodland, they employed innovative techniques, including pipe-pushing apparatus to place explosives beneath trees, facilitating their rapid removal. This ingenuity allowed the aerodrome to be completed in a mere six months, a significant feat for the time.

From 1942 to 1944, Dunsfold served as Royal Canadian Air Force Station Dunsfold, commanded by the Royal Canadian Air Force. Squadrons such as 400, 414, and 430 RCAF were based here, flying Curtiss Tomahawks and North American Mustang Is. Later, the aerodrome hosted North American Mitchell II medium bombers, with various RAF units operating from its grounds. Following the war, the airfield was utilised by the RAF for the repatriation of prisoners of war.

Post-War Aviation Hub

After being declared inactive by the RAF in 1946, Dunsfold found a new lease of life. Skyways Ltd. operated from the site, utilising aircraft such as the Avro York, Avro Lancastrian, and Douglas C-54 Skymaster. Their operations included crucial support for the Berlin Airlift and the refurbishment of ex-RAF Spitfires and Hawker Hurricanes for the Portuguese Air Force.

A pivotal moment in Dunsfold's aviation history came in 1950 when The Hawker Aircraft Company acquired the lease. Dunsfold became an internationally recognised centre for the development of the Hunter jet fighter. Limited numbers of Sea Hawks were also produced, and Sea Furies were refurbished. Airwork Ltd. also leased hangars for the refurbishment of North American F-86 Sabres and Supermarine Attackers.

The aerodrome played a crucial role in the development of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) technology. In October 1960, Hawker Siddeley flight-tested its Hawker P.1127 prototype, the precursor to the revolutionary Hawker Siddeley Harrier, the world's first VTOL jet fighter bomber. The Folland Gnat also moved its test flying and production to Dunsfold in 1961. The final assembly of the Harrier and the Hawk trainer aircraft also took place at Dunsfold.

Transition and the Top Gear Era

In 1977, Hawker Siddeley became part of British Aerospace. The aerodrome continued to be a site of significant aviation activity, albeit with some tragic incidents, including the fatal crash of a developmental Hawk 200 in 1986. In 1999, British Aerospace announced the closure of Dunsfold as part of a wider restructuring. The final assembly of the Hawk had moved to Warton in 1988, and production of the BAe Sea Harrier and Harrier 2+ also ceased at Dunsfold.

The turn of the 21st century saw Dunsfold Aerodrome enter a new phase. In 2002, BAE Systems sold the site to The Rutland Group, which established Dunsfold Park Ltd. From 2002 until 2020, Dunsfold became widely recognised as the home of the BBC's popular motoring show, Top Gear. The show utilised a hangar as a studio and parts of the aerodrome's runways and taxiways as its iconic test track.

Beyond its television fame, Dunsfold Park continued to host various events. The track was used for cycle races, and from 2005 to 2019, it hosted the annual 'Wings and Wheels' air and motor show, which attracted thousands of visitors and raised significant funds for charities. The site also organised a popular drive-in cinema and classical concerts.

The Controversy of Aviation Use

The lawful use of Dunsfold Park as an aerodrome has been a subject of considerable dispute. Existing planning consents imposed restrictions on aircraft movements and flying times. However, Dunsfold Park Ltd. claimed in 2011 that its aviation use was entirely unrestricted, citing the predating of planning acts or a 60-year-old consent from 1951. This claim faced strong opposition from local councils, environmental bodies, and MPs.

Waverley Borough Council refused Dunsfold Park Ltd.'s application for a certificate of lawful use, and an appeal was subsequently rejected in 2012. The inspector acknowledged a permanent permission from 1951 for "erection, repair and flight testing of aircraft," suggesting that the use would revert to this consent upon the expiry of temporary consents. However, in 2014, the High Court clarified that the 1951 permission for "flight testing" did not encompass unrestricted flying.

Housing Development and a Shifting Landscape

The most significant recent development at Dunsfold has been the push for housing. In 2006, proposals were put forward for a new settlement of 2,600 homes, along with schools, health services, and improved transport links. The project aimed to be an exemplar of green and sustainable living. Dunsfold Park's bid to be designated an eco-town was denied by the government in 2008, primarily due to the proposed number of houses being below the minimum threshold.

Despite opposition from various local authorities and residents, Dunsfold Park Limited reapplied for planning consent for the eco-settlement in 2008. While receiving support from some environmental groups and local Labour parties, the proposal was ultimately refused by Waverley Borough Council and rejected on appeal.

The landscape shifted again at the end of 2013 when The Rutland Group sold Dunsfold Park to Trinity College, Cambridge. The college, with its long-term investment perspective, had previously owned the site and was planning a partnership for its development. This ownership change has brought about new uncertainties.

Recent Developments and Future Uncertainty

In December 2016, a significant planning permission was granted for 1,800 homes to be built on the aerodrome site. This proposal included the demolition of the track and associated infrastructure, such as the runway drag strip. This decision was met with dismay by many, particularly as it seemed to signal the end of Dunsfold's aviation legacy.

The situation took a dramatic turn recently with the announcement that Dunsfold Aerodrome Limited is to undergo "changes in its ownership." This follows the appointment of a new Senior Bursar at Trinity College, Cambridge. The new Bursar, Richard Turnill, who previously held a senior investment strategy role at BlackRock, is reportedly favouring financial market plays over the long-term property development previously envisioned. This shift has led to concerns that Trinity College is withdrawing from its commitment to create a new village at the former aerodrome.

This development has left Waverley councillors and planners feeling disillusioned. The planned eco-village was crucial for Waverley Borough Council's housing targets, and its potential withdrawal leaves the borough vulnerable to opportunistic development by less scrupulous developers. The future of the local businesses and jobs at Dunsfold, which have already navigated the challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic, is also now uncertain.

What Does This Mean for Dunsfold Park?

The recent ownership changes and the apparent shift in strategy by Trinity College have thrown the future of Dunsfold Aerodrome into question. The long-held vision of an exemplar eco-village, championed by individuals like Jim McAllister, appears to be under threat. The local community and councillors are now grappling with the implications, particularly the impact on housing supply and the local economy.

Key Players and Their Roles

Frequently Asked Questions

• What was Dunsfold Aerodrome used for historically? Dunsfold Aerodrome was built during WWII as a military airfield and later became a significant site for aircraft development and manufacturing, including the Hawker Hunter and the Harrier VTOL jet. It was also famously used as the filming location for the BBC show Top Gear.
• What was the original plan for Dunsfold? The original plan, championed by Jim McAllister and supported by Trinity College, was to develop Dunsfold into an exemplar eco-village, providing much-needed housing and revitalising the area.
• Why are people concerned about the changes in ownership? Concerns have arisen because the new Bursar at Trinity College reportedly has a different investment philosophy, potentially leading to a withdrawal from the commitment to develop the eco-village, which could negatively impact Waverley's housing supply and local businesses.
• What is the current status of the housing development? Planning permission for 1,800 homes was granted in December 2016, but the recent ownership changes have created uncertainty about the progression and nature of this development.
• Where is Dunsfold Aerodrome located? Dunsfold Aerodrome is located in Surrey, England, near the village of Cranleigh.

The future of Dunsfold Aerodrome remains uncertain. The shift in ownership and strategy at Trinity College has created a period of speculation and concern for local residents, councillors, and those who have long championed its redevelopment. The coming months will likely reveal the true direction for this historic site.