This is a guide to submitting an effective objection to the Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for the Land East of Gamston and North of Tollerton. It focuses on Emergency Healthcare access, which is a key Material Planning Consideration.
The SPD fails to address the current critical role of Nottingham City Airfield in supporting emergency medical services, specifically the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance, which currently uses the site for landing, refuelling, and transferring patients to the Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC) – the designated Major Trauma Centre for the East Midlands Trauma Network which serves a catchment of 4 million people.
Why This Matters
The Major Trauma Clinical Network Specification (NHS England, 2023) requires rapid transfer of patients to Major Trauma Centres via air or land, with infrastructure that supports urgent care pathways.
NICE Guideline NG40 on Major Trauma Service Delivery emphasises that the optimal destination for major trauma patients is a Major Trauma Centre, and that air ambulance access is essential for timely transfer.
Air Ambulances UK has called for 24/7 helipad access at all major trauma centres and specialist hospitals, and warns that infrastructure loss without replacement jeopardises patient outcomes.
The NHS Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response (EPRR) Framework mandates that NHS-funded organisations must safeguard critical emergency infrastructure under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 and Health and Care Act 2022.
SPD Deficiencies
- The SPD does not mention the current use of the airfield by Air Ambulances from across the country, and the Coast Guard (from Lincolnshire)
- There is no assessment of the impact of losing this capability on the East Midlands Trauma Network which covers 4 million people.
- There is no proposal for alternative provision, nor clarity on who will fund relocation or replacement infrastructure.
- The SPD’s brief mention of emergency services does not meet the EPRR Core Standards for safeguarding critical infrastructure.
Planning Policy and Law
Mention:
NHS Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response (EPRR) Framework
Civil Contingencies Act 2004
Health and Care Act 2022
NICE Guideline NG40 (Major Trauma Service Delivery)
NHS Major Trauma Clinical Network Specification
Request Specific Changes
You could ask for:
A full assessment of the airfield’s role in emergency medical transport
Identification of alternative provision for air ambulance operations
Commitment of funding for relocation or replacement infrastructure
A condition that planning approval be contingent on safeguarding emergency medical air access
Example Phrases for Reference
“The SPD fails to assess the impact of losing the air ambulance facility currently operating from Nottingham City Airfield.”
“The development risks breaching NHS EPRR standards and NICE trauma guidance by removing critical emergency infrastructure.”
“Planning approval should be conditional on safeguarding emergency medical air access in line with NHS and NICE guidance.”
Where to Send Your Objection:
Send your comments to Rushcliffe Borough Council at: localdevelopment@rushcliffe.gov.uk