I was astonished to see that, on Tuesday, January 9, the cabinet of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council accepted the Draft Local Plan Update, and this includes 3,500 houses to be built on the footprint of Popham Airfield.
Don’t be deluded into thinking this airfield is the domain of the rich and famous. Far from it! No private members club. No looks of disgust as casual visitors drop in to relax and enjoy the welcoming ambience. Popham is a busy airfield recording 18,300 aircraft movements last year, but there is much more besides.
The fine, clear, open spaces accommodate many clubs and organisations. The Cyclocross event enabled 400 riders to embrace their sport. Cross-country running, motorcycle gatherings and charity fundraising events have all been hosted over the year working around the flying events and daily comings and goings of light aircraft.
One day a year the airfield is closed to stage the Popham Experience for Sebastian’s Action Trust, a local charity supporting seriously ill children with their families.
A plane-spotter’s paradise! Have you seen the Gyroplanes? Incredible little machines but such capabilities!
In 2019, James Ketchell set off from Popham and circumnavigated the world. James is the kind of ‘famous person’ one is likely to meet at Popham, passionate about flying and delighted to share his enthusiasm.
There are aircraft of historic significance - a squadron of Austers, and Popham is also the home of The Spitfire Flying Club. However, you are just as likely to see drones being put through their paces.
The warm welcome as one enters the Café is refreshing in itself. Home-cooked food, appropriate to the season and the weather, is always inviting. You may meet a young family walking with their dog or a pilot who has just flown in from the Channel Islands.
I implore you, and your readers, to experience the delights of Popham Airfield lest it be condemned to become yet another housing estate.
Sue Bell
Micheldever Station
Ian Gray and Des Cleave
Overton Road
Micheldever Station
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