Proposals to bring our life-saving crew and charity staff under one roof near Southampton Airport, George Curl Way, have been unanimously approved.
On Tuesday 23 July, Eastleigh planning officials approved our plans which will require a purpose-built helipad, hangar doors and a refit to the building’s interior.
The application was recommended for approval by the Eastleigh Local Area Committee, with input from Environmental Health, Southampton Airport, Civil Aviation Authority and Southampton City Council, among others.
371 comments were received, of which only four were objections, to the council’s planning portal – in addition to the 612 comments made prior to the application via public consultation.
“A life-saving service”
In the document prepared for Eastleigh Local Area Committee, it states: “Overall, the scheme provides a life-saving service to the borough and beyond in a far superior location than its existing HQ north of the county.
“This is a great planning benefit that weighs heavily in favour of permission.”
On the night, the committee noted that it is rare within their role that they make decisions that save lives – and it was therefore an easy decision to make.
Ready to respond
Our clinical operations are currently based at Thruxton, Andover, on the north-west edge of the county: a considerable distance from the majority of our missions.
This move will put us at the heart of more than 70% of our call-outs, allowing our teams to be refueled, restocked and ready to respond to the next emergency call-out far quicker than from our current base.
The new airbase is just 70 metres from the M27, and close to the M3, which as well as being closer to the majority of patients, will allow our teams of doctors, dispatchers and paramedics to better utilise the fleet of emergency response vehicles alongside our aircraft.
Richard Corbett, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance CEO, said:
“We are extremely pleased to have gained approval from Eastleigh Borough Council. We thank everyone who has provided input and feedback to our application, none more so than the swathe of people in our community who submitted overwhelmingly positive feedback not just for this relocation, but for our service as a whole.
“This move will undoubtedly allow us to save more lives, more regularly. Every decision we make as a charity is with the outcomes of our patients at its heart – and this move typifies that.”
We have several next steps involved in the process, including agreeing operational plans with key partners.
Thanks to everyone for your unwavering support throughout this process so far. Your kindness and generosity is saving and changing lives everyday.
Stay up to date with our move and all our latest news.
