A previous attempt by TAG to boost the annual ceiling from 28,000 to 50,000 movements by 2019 were dashed by local government officials late in 2009. Rushmoor Borough Council rejected the proposals on 11 November because of a possible increase in noise levels and safety concerns from residents.

“We lodged an appeal against this decision and this has now been accepted,” says TAG Farnborough chief executive Brandon O’Reilly. “We hope the enquiry will begin by the beginning of the third quarter and the inspector will look at this case with a fresh pair of eyes. We think we have a strong case to get Rushmoor’s decision overturned.”

The TAG Aviation subsidiary is confident a final decision will be made before the start of the 2012 London Olympics, “when demand for business aircraft is expected to rise considerably”.

Swiss-owned TAG Farnborough has seen business aircraft movements at Farnborough soar from 16,100 in 2003 – its first full year of operation at the site – to more than 25,500 in 2008. TAG Aviation has invested around £100 million ($148 million) upgrading the airport since it became leaseholder of the site – home to the biennial Farnborough air show – in 2001.

via UK government gives fresh hope to Farnborough expansion.

The company, which operates Farnborough under a 99-year lease, appealed on the grounds that Rushmoor Borough Council’s stated “reasons for refusal” were not substantiated by technical evidence. Tag’s legal team also argues that the council development control committee (consisting of elected politicians) blocked the official recommendation to accept the movement increase that had been made by its full-time planning officials.

The appeal alleges that the politicians “failed to take into account national planning and airports policy. Rushmoor’s official “reasons for refusal” of Tag’s application to boost traffic at Farnborough were that this would have “an adverse impact on the amenities of surrounding residential property” and that the economic benefits of doing so have not been “satisfactorily demonstrated to outweigh the environmental consequences.

via Tag Still Fighting for Increased Traffic at Farnborough: AINonline.

Rushmoor Borough Council rejected the proposals on 11 November because of a possible increase in noise levels and safety concerns from residents.

The TAG Aviation subsidiary sought to raise the total number of movements from 28,000 to 50,000 a year by 2019 to keep pace with expected increased demand for the airport from business aircraft users.

TAG says it is “disappointed” by Rushmoor’s decision. “This could have a negative impact on already congested south-east airports and the local economy. [We] will carefully study this decision before determining ongoing priorities.”

TAG has seen business aircraft movements at Farnborough soar from 16,100 in 2003 – its first full year of operation at the site – to more than 25,500 in 2008. Although the operator is expecting an overall decline in movements this year due to the economic slowdown, air traffic movements at the airport are expected to rise significantly over the coming decade as the global economy recovers.

via TAG’s plan for Farnborough movement hike rejected.