Party of Wales Gwynedd Councillors' Group

Llanbedr Councillor Annwen Hughes (pictured) has welcomed the news that the Civil Aviation Authority has approved plans for Llanbedr Airfield to have a restricted air space at the location to test, invest and develop its research activities safely.

The new ‘restricted zone’ comes into immediate effect, but the permanent site will only be activated by Notice to Aviators 24 hours in advance.

This is the first UK Centre of Excellence proposed spaceport to secure its own restricted airspace. It is also the only privately and commercially controlled restricted airspace within the UK.

Snowdonia Aerospace Centre, which tests next-generation aircraft such as drones, electric aircraft, high altitude balloons and near-space vehicles, wanted to create a permanent restricted airspace to enable further testing and research at this Gwynedd site.

“This is good news for Llanbedr, Gwynedd and Wales,” said local councillor, Annwen Hughes.

“The long-term masterplan for Llanbedr Airfield is to create over 500 jobs and invest £19.5m every year to the local economy. This development is part of that grand plan.

“In this part of Gwynedd, any economic boost must be welcomed, so that quality jobs, training and education investment for young people and better future prospects are available to local people. Jobs and training are crucial to ensure young people continue to live and work in this part of Meirionnydd.”