AN AEROSPACE centre has launched a public consultation to create a permanent danger area in its aircraft testing zone around Llanbedr Airfield.

Snowdonia Aerospace Centre, which tests next-generation aircraft such as drones, electric aircraft, high altitude balloons and and near-space vehicles, is proposing to create a permanent danger area that would enable further testing at the site.

The danger area will be permanent in terms of its designation but will be 'active' only as and when required, otherwise it will remain open to all air traffic. 90 per cent of the operations using the danger area would be over the airfield or out over the sea.

The proposal forms part of a sustainable long-term masterplan for Llanbedr Airfield that could contribute up to 515 jobs and £19.5million per year to the local economy.

Llanbedr has long been a UK national asset for aerospace research, development and testing and there has been increased demand in recent years due to its location for 'beyond visual line-of-sight' drone testing. These activities have been satisfied to date by the use of a Temporary Danger Area, but both customer demand and the need for confidence and reliance are now such that an application for a Permanent Airspace Change is warranted.

Cllr Gareth Thomas, Gwynedd Council cabinet member for economy and community, said: "We have long supported the development of Snowdonia Aerospace Centre for the development of civil novel aircraft and space technologies, in order to create sustainable high-value jobs in Meirionnydd and across the wider region.

"We are pleased to see that steps are being taken to allow for the safe piloting of these technologies, and would encourage anybody in the community with an interest in the site to respond to the consultation."

The permanent danger area would be the first civilian-managed airspace of this type in the UK. It is also said that the evaluation of low carbon fuels at the site would help to meet the Welsh Government’s net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050.

Lee Paul, CEO of Snowdonia Aerospace said: “We are continuing to develop complementary business opportunities at Llanbedr Aerodrome relating to aerospace research, development, test and evaluation. To support these operations it has now become necessary for us to seek to upgrade and formalise the current airspace around the Aerodrome as the present provision is insufficient to meet the identified future need and risks restricting opportunities that are in the strategic economic interest of the UK and Welsh governments."

John Whalley, CEO of Aerospace Wales, said: "Aerospace Wales is the industry association for the sector working in close co-operation with Welsh Government on future strategy. This proposal by Snowdonia Aerospace Centre is hugely important in ensuring that Llanbedr will play a lead role in the development of future flight concepts for the benefit of both the local community, the people of Wales and the wider UK aviation community.

"The technologies developed will help support a more sustainable future and the creation of high value added jobs. I would encourage everyone to get involved and help shape the future."

A consultation document explains the proposed changes, including detailed maps and environmental analysis, plus a three-page 'easy-read' guide in English and Welsh.

The consultation period ends on Friday, January 22.