South Northamptonshire air force base gets permission for new buildings

A Northamptonshire air force base gets planning permission for new buildings.
RAF CroughtonRAF Croughton
RAF Croughton

Plans to meet the current and future needs of the United States Air Force (USAF) at RAF Croughton have been approved by South Northamptonshire Council (SNC).

On Thursday, July 30, members of SNC’s Development Control Committee approved a planning application to construct replacement buildings and associated infrastructure.

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Councillor Roger Clarke, SNC’s portfolio holder for planning and environment said: “The USAF felt the current structure was no longer adequate and this decision allows them to construct a purpose-built facility that will cater for their current and future operational needs.

“Last year they did announce they would be consolidating their UK facilities at Croughton, and we look forward to welcoming lots of new American service families to the district. But once this new building is constructed the existing staff will be moved in and the old building demolished. So there will be no immediate increase in personnel at the base.”

The application includes a number of new buildings, car parking, an entry control facility, access roads, fencing and utilities. It also includes hard standings for six satellite terminals, four of which will be installed at a later date under a separate planning application.

Although the application lies within open countryside, it also sits within the confines of the base and the new buildings will be constructed adjacent to the current building. Therefore planners concluded it did not represent an unacceptable intrusion to the countryside.