Sir Gavin Williamson MP visited Hixon Airfield Industrial Estate , after being invited by a local resident to take a look at the site and hear concerns about how it’s currently being used.
Joined by members of Hixon Parish Council, Sir Gavin walked the site and saw for himself the large number of accident-damaged lorries and vehicles stored on the old runway.
Residents and councillors raised questions about whether past planning conditions—particularly around screening and landscaping—are actually being met.
Sir Gavin said: “I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to meet with me and share their views. It’s clear that the concerns are genuine, and there are fair questions about whether the planning agreements have been followed properly. The landscaping meant to screen the site is minimal, and in some places, it looks like vehicles have spilled over onto grassed areas where they shouldn't be.”
The airfield has a long and complicated planning history. Originally built during World War II, parts of the old airfield were turned into industrial units over the years, with a series of planning applications in 2014, 2016, and 2019 allowing for vehicle storage on sections of the concrete runway.
Sir Gavin has now called on Stafford Borough Council’s planning team, to visit the site and take a fresh look—specifically to check if conditions like proper screening are being met, and whether anything needs to be done to bring the site back in line.
“Residents deserve to know that rules are being followed,” Sir Gavin added. “This is a peaceful rural community, and people rightly want to protect it from being overwhelmed by industrial sprawl or planning loopholes.”
