Hangar too close to fuel station
Discontent still flys over the Matamata-Piako District Council’s decision to allow a second hangar at the Waharoa Aerodrome.
The council decided to allow the new hangar to be built, despite safety issues raised by the Waharoa Airfield Users Group.
The group claimed the location of the hanger would reduce the space needed for the safe maneuvering of aircraft between it and the airfield’s fuel service area.
Walsh Scout Flying Group operated 16 aircraft with 70 students during a special annual summer event.
The group was also worried about the safety of gliders moving from the hangar area, through the apron, when planes would be refuelling.
The council’s group business manager Mania Te Wiata confirmed the users group’s objections to the hanger site’s location were heard.
‘‘The decision to proceed was lawful, but council wanted to listen to the views of the different stakeholders.
‘‘The view of the majority of a subcommittee formed between the council and the users group was the location was acceptable, however, some users still held the view it was not,’’ he said.
An independent report commissioned by the council, completed by GRC Consulting, confirmed the council’s assertions a proper consultation process had been carried out.
Author Garry Goodman noted the subcommittee was aware of the opposition to the location of the new hanger from the Walsh Scouts management team.
But the subcommittee recommended the council approve the hanger.
He noted council’s management plan was to relocate the fuel service area ‘‘at some point in time’’ clear of the hanger area.
He emphasised the relocation of the fuel facilities was ‘‘important’’.
‘‘It wouldn’t be prudent to establish hangers which impeded access to either the existing fuel facilities or to other hangers.’’
He said consideration should be given to the concerns raised by the Walsh Scout Flying Group as its summer event was listed in the site’s management plan as one of the iconic events associated with the aerodrome.
‘‘But it doesn’t necessarily mean the hanger site is inappropriate.’’