Airport director attending public meeting about Jurby Airfield

Meeting going ahead despite the plans being dropped

It's been confirmed the airport director will be attending tonight's meeting to discuss the future of Jurby airfield.

However representatives from planning are unable to attend the event at Jurby Parish Hall. 

Jurby Commissioners adds the Cabinet Office has not yet confirmed who will be attending on its behalf.

MHKs for the area Alfred Cannan and Tim Johnston are also expected to be there along with Head of Conservation at Manx Wildlife Trust David Bellamy.

A map was included in the draft plan showing the runway extended by 2.5km to make it roughly the same size as Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

The plans have now been pulled but the commissioners are continuing with the meeting.

They say it will ‘enable’ the local authority and residents to consider any future changes, including public consultation, and will make sure ‘due process’ is followed.

Jurby Commissioners said it wasn’t made aware of the changes to the airfield until it came to light on social media and hopes the meeting will provide as much information as possible to residents.

The government said an 'Airport Masterplan' is currently being developed which will explore plans for ‘improving and enhancing’ current facilities at Ronaldsway but there are ‘currently’ no plans to expand the airfield in Jurby. 

The meeting will take place at Jurby Parish Hall from 7pm.

CORRECTION: Manx Radio incorrectly reported that Airport Director Gary Cobb was not attending this evening's event. We are happy to correct the record.