Plans submitted to build new aircraft shelter at Draycott airfield

A planning application has been submitted for a new aircraft shelter to be built at Mendip Gliding Club in Draycott.

The application for the building of a wooden T hanger (aircraft shelter) at Mendip Gliding Club, Halesland Airfield, New Road, Draycott, has been submitted to Mendip District Council by Terry Hatton.

Currently on the airfield is a conventional hanger which was constructed by the Royal Air Force in the 1960s along with a wooden single storey clubhouse.

A more modern agriculture style tractor shed was constructed in 2003 to house several vehicles and a winch that is used for the gliding operation.

This building now also houses a dedicated aircraft workshop so the club gliders can be safely maintained on site, in house.

The current hanger accommodates three two-seater training gliders, three single seat gliders and a privately owned motor glider that is used for providing aerotow launches.

All members of the club are volunteers, and all the instructors provide training for all members free of charge.

Mendip Gliding Club plans to purchase a new motor glider to expand the current fleet of aircraft that it currently offers to its members.

A motor glider looks like a normal light aircraft but has long wings to enable it to glide when the engine is switched off in flight.

The motor glider will enable the club to increase the methods of training to all its members, increasing safety and benefiting junior members with a more cost-effective solution due to the lower costs of operation than the privately owned one that is already on site.

However, the conventional hanger is full and cannot accommodate the new aircraft. The club says there is no scope to increase the size of the current hanger.

Mendip Gliding Club want to build a wooden aircraft shelter. These structures are often referred to as T hangars because in plan view, they resemble a letter T.

This is because the central section is for the fuselage of the aircraft and the arms of the T are where the aircraft wings go.

The front of the structure is removable, which allows the aircraft to be rolled backwards into the T hangar, and the front then replaced.

Other planning applications in the Cheddar area that have been submitted this week include:

Erection of an agricultural livestock building on land east of Warrens Hill Road, Cheddar, has been applied for by Mr and Mrs Tovey.

Application to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed erection of an agricultural building on land to the south west of Tor Farm, Nyland Drove, Nyland, has been made by Mr B Ladd.

Erection of an agricultural barn is wanted at Two Acre Farm on land to the south of Webbington Road, Compton Bishop.

Erection of single storey side (north) extension at Field Mouse Cottage, Top Road, Shipham,has been applied for by Mr C Hobday.

Planning applications in the Cheddar area that have been decided this week include:

Change of use of agricultural land to canine training and siting of a caravan for residential use at Deliverance, Axbridge Moor Drove, Axbridge, by Mr P Crocker has been withdrawn.

Erection of a porch to the front (south) elevation at Little Diligent, Stone Allerton Drove, Stone Allerton, by Mr Reading has been approved.

Notice of intent to install a DSLAM equipment cabinet olive green at Electronic Telecommunications Apparatus, The Barrows, Cheddar, by BT plc has been approved.

Erection of single storey rear (north) and side (west) wrap around extension at Lands End Farmhouse, Lands End, Heath House, near Wedmore, by Mr and Mrs Mewes has been approved.