Passenger numbers do not justify an international airport in Palmerston North, a witness told an independent commissoner yesterday.
21 June 2008 By KATIE CHAPMAN
Dr David Stone gave evidence during a two- day hearing to consider a notice of requirement for a land designation for a block of land on Richardson's Line.
The hearing concluded yesterday when Commissioner Chris Mitchell reserved his decision, with the intention of releasing it within 15 working days.
Palmerston North Airport Limited had applied for the land change because the block was needed for future expansions of the airport.
In evidence tabled on Thursday, counsel for the airport Mark von Dadelszen said it was required to allow for future planning of the airport, because in the past failure to secure such opportunities had caused issues.
"Previous failures to plan for growth have hindered airport development."
Sensible planning was a necessity.
"Prudent planning has enabled the airport to grow to the point where it is a significant driver of economic activity."
He called a number of witnesses in support of the designation, including airport chief executive Garry Goodman.
But yesterday, the land's owners - Palmerston North Industrial and Residential Limited - contested the validity of having an international airport in Palmerston North by calling Dr Stone, an independent consultant and writer on aviation issues.
The passenger numbers had been falling and did not support international services, he said, and therefore the designation was not necessary.
"The level of aircraft movements at [the airport] does not offer any basis for forecasting the substantial increase in air traffic that might justify the infrastructural development envisaged by the airport company."
Mr von Dadelszen refuted this in his right of reply.
The falling numbers had a direct correlation with Freedom Air reducing the number of flights, he said.
But, that had been countered by the remaining flights being regularly filled.
Counsel for the landowner, Gordon Paine, also questioned the validity of calling for a land designation at all, when there were no concrete plans.
In reply, Mr von Dadelszen said there was precedent for such a designation to be made.
© 2008 Fairfax New Zealand Limited.
Manawatu Standard
Go to top
Print Page
Smaller
