Ambitious plans have been drawn up to bring the UK’s first ever ‘aeropark’ to Enniskillen with proposals to bring 10 new ‘hangar’ holiday homes to the Co Fermanagh town.
A planning application is to be submitted to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council for the new venture, which will see the holiday homes targeted towards pilots from around the UK and Europe being built at Enniskillen Airport.
In addition to the 10 homes, which will have access for light aircraft, the plans include a clubhouse for residents and visiting pilots, including a swimming pool, sauna and an aviation-themed restaurant and bar.
READ MORE: Enniskillen Airport owner determined to keep it alive as a resource to the local community
Developer Peter Day is the man behind the plans, and has met with council officials to lay out the proposals for the site.
The developer has had previous plans for a similar aeropark turned down in his native area of Fareham in Hampshire.
Speaking to Belfast Live, Peter said the homes could be available as early as 2023 if planning permission is granted.
“It’s the same idea as marine homes or houses on golf courses, but aimed at the aviation sector,” he said.
“Enniskillen looks like it’s going to be the first one in the UK, it’s the one that is most likely to happen first.
“Trying to get a new concept adopted in the UK is not easy, it has taken me seven years to get where I am now.
“The great thing about Enniskillen is that the council wants to retain the airfield and this will help safeguard it and make it more sustainable.”
Enniskillen Airport, formerly St Angelo Airport, is now privately-owned and hosts private light aircraft and non-commercial flights, as well as aiding community organisations such as the Air Ambulance.
Peter added the proposed plans would provide a boost to the local economy if approved.
He said: “It will attract people to come from far and wide. The range of a typical light aircraft is 600 miles, so that stretches across Scotland, Wales, England, France, Germany, even Denmark.
“So you could get people from all over the place who want to be able to fly in to a beautiful part of the country, which Enniskillen is, and essentially spend their money in the local economy.”
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