Park airport 'pollution threat'

The airfield was built in 1938 and used during World War II

An environmental charity has objected to plans to open a commercial airport within Snowdonia National Park.

The former military airfield at Llanbedr near Harlech, Gwynedd, is being taken over on a 125 year lease.

The Snowdonia Society has written to the First Minister about their concerns of "pollution and a threat to tourism".

The assembly government said it was a continuation of activity which used to take place at the old airfield and was "in sympathy" with the area.

The airfield was being taken over by Kemble, who already operate a private airport in the Cotswolds.

The new operators are planning an open day and mini air show on 20 August to launch the new venture.

In the letter, the society's director Alun Pugh - a former culture minister - claimed ministers had not fulfilled their statutory duty under the Environment Act of "conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage" of the Snowdonia National Park.

Snowdonia is no place for a commercial airport Alun Pugh, director, Snowdonia Society

The 70-year-old airfield, the letter adds, was originally a RAF facility which has "never functioned as a commercial centre of aviation".

"We have been told that the deal has not yet been signed and before Snowdonia is subjected to 125 years of aircraft noise and climate-changing pollution we think these matters should be subject to full public scrutiny," said Mr Pugh.

"We are also concerned about the threat to employment; tourism is the number one industry in the area."

'Continuation of activity'

The society raises questions about planning permission to run a commercial airfield at the site.

"We feel there should be a proper application for planning permission before any civilian aviation takes place," said Mr Pugh.

"Snowdonia is no place for a commercial airport," he added.

An assembly government spokesman said the development was essentially a continuation of the activities previously carried out at the aerodrome.

It had "carefully considered how the economic benefits can be maximised for the local community with the minimal environmental impact".

"The emphasis in on its sustainable development in sympathy with the area and community.

"We have kept Snowdonia national park planning authority, Gwynedd Council's economic development department, the Countryside Council for Wales and the local community fully aware of the proposals," the spokeswoman added.