In October 2012, the old heliport, serving both St Mary’s and Tresco, ceased operations after almost 50 years; operators British International Helicopters cited rising costs and falling passenger numbers for the decision.

Timeline

August 2016

Penzance Heliport Ltd announce plans for a new, privately-funded service, running from a site just over the road from the former heliport. The new service would see up to 17 flights a day to St Mary’s and Tresco.

February 2017

Cornwall Council planners give unanimous approval to plans for the new heliport; a record 2,600 messages of support were submitted.

May 2017

Construction work put on hold after the launch of a Judicial Review against the decision, the proceedings having been initiated by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company.

A petition calling for the Steamship Company to rescind its legal proceedings has been signed by almost 9,000.

September 2017

Penzance Heliport Ltd consents to judgement and says it will submit an amended application “to reduce uncertainty to the islands and the expense to Cornish taxpayers of going through the lengthy judicial review process”.

Derek has consistently backed moves for a new helicopter service, saying it demonstrates confidence in the economy in West Cornwall and will encourage further private investment.

He successfully blocked a Steamship Company attempt to engage the Government in overturning the planning approval, arguing that, as Cornwall Council is the planning authority, it should be trusted to make the right decision for the area.

Since the announcement of the Judicial Review, Derek has robustly encouraged the company to stop obstructing the heliport initiative, saying it would be better served by improving their operation and customer services. He adds that the company is losing a lot of goodwill in Penzance and on Scilly by obstructing the heliport.

To contact Derek about this campaign please click here.