Jump to content

BAN on Model gliding on Dartmoor


wookman

Recommended Posts

It hasn't happened yet. But it will unless we take action.

The Dartmoor National Park Authority are in the process of updating the bylaws which govern the activities allowed within the National Park. They are for the most part just common sense written into a legal document, BUT...

Here is the current bylaw governing kite and model glider flying on the moor.

 

18 Kites and Model Aircraft

(i) No person shall fly a kite or model glider from the access land in such a manner as to give reasonable cause for annoyance to any other person or in such a manner as is likely to startle or disturb stock on the land.

(ii)No person shall release any power-driven model aircraft for flight or control the flight of such an aircraft on or over the access land unless he is authorised to do so by the Authority.

(iii) For the purpose of this byelaw “model aircraft” means an aircraft which either weighs not more than 5 kilograms without its fuel or is for the time being exempted (as a model aircraft) from provisions of the Air Navigation Order and “power driven” means driven by the combustion of petrol vapour or other combustible vapour or other combustible substances or by one or more electric motors.

 

I think it is safe to say that we all support this position.

Here are the proposed new bylaws that might come into force soon.

 

20 Kites, model aircraft and drones

(i) No person shall fly a kite from or over the Access Land in such a manner as to give reasonable cause for annoyance to any other person or in such a manner as is likely to startle or disturb stock or wildlife on the land.

(ii) No person shall launch any model aircraft or drone from the Access Land unless authorised to do so by the owner of the land and the Authority.

(iii) No person shall operate any model aircraft or drone over the Access Land at a height or location that may disturb stock or wildlife or cause a nuisance to another person.

 

Please note that model glider has been removed from clause (i) and that power driven has been removed from clause (ii).

This is effectively going to ban model gliding on Dartmoor as the process of obtaining permission from the land owner and the authority is going to be virtually impossible.

We need to act now. If we do not, slope soaring on Dartmoor could be banned by next spring.

There is a consultancy document out now https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/about-us/who-we-are/byelaws-consultation 

Please take the time to look at it and fill it in.

If Dartmoor National Park Authority get away with this, how long will it be before all the other national parks follow suit and then the National Trust too?

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't personally fly Dartmoor but you have my sympathy on this. Hopefully the BMFA & local fliers can assist you on this.

We have had similar issues in the South Essex with local authorities trying to restrict/ban what we have been doing for decades. Likely due to a small number of committed campaigners with a grudge.

Would be interesting how the bylaws have changed with respect to dogs. In my opinion they are the biggest problem on common land with wildlife and livestock. Due to the numbers involved it never gets policed nor offences prosecuted.

I suggest setting up a meeting with them and getting the BMFA involved. Do your homework first though..

Link to comment
Share on other sites

There is a consultancy document out now https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/about-us/who-we-are/byelaws-consultation 

Please take the time to look at it and fill it in.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you Lloyd.

The more responses the better.

We need to act now. If we do not, slope soaring on Dartmoor could be banned by next spring.

There is a consultancy document out now https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/about-us/who-we-are/byelaws-consultation 

Please take the time to look at it and fill it in.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

12 hours ago, rckens said:

Filled the form in

Thank you.

 

10 hours ago, EssexBOF said:

Chelmsford Council, banned all model flying from it's parks & open spaces over 2 years ago now.

That is what we are hoping to avoid. Thin end of a long fat wedge.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, wookman said:

Thank you.

 

That is what we are hoping to avoid. Thin end of a long fat wedge.

 

I don't think people realise that even though this may not be their local site, or even that they

may never fly there, it starts to set a precedent that could creep closer to home.

 

There is never any reasonable justification for restricting any harmless leisure activity (or personal freedom). 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

17 minutes ago, paul w said:

I don't think people realise that even though this may not be their local site, or even that they

may never fly there, it starts to set a precedent that could creep closer to home.

Exactly. We all have to support this. Next time they might be coming for you, any of you.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

What happens if you think that it only affects someone else?

 

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I’ve completed the consultation.

It is, of course, quite appropriate for the local BMFA rep to be involved, but I think you would do well to contact Manny Williamson directly. I’ll send you a PM.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.