Ballon plans grounded by airport
20.05.08
Proposals to launch a tethered passenger-carrying sightseeing helium balloon in Southampton city centre could be scrapped because of objections by Southampton Airport. Councillors have backed the plan to anchor the balloon in Andrews Park, where it would float up into the sky, offering breathtaking views. Businesses also welcomed the chance to lure thousands more tourists to the city.
However, the company behind the plan, dubbed the Southampton Eye, has revealed it is locked in a dispute with Southampton Airport over the height it can fly. Alastair Gunning, director of Lindstrand Aerial Platforms, said plans to launch it this summer have already been shelved because of the dispute.
Mr Gunning said he wanted to fly the balloon to 400ft - more than 2½ times the height of the Civic Centre clock tower - to provide passengers with 25-mile panoramic views, but has been told it was too high. BAA says the balloon would need to float to about half the proposed height to provide a safety zone for aircraft flying as low as 5000ft over the city
In a statement Southampton Airport said: ‘In accordance with regulations laid down by the CAA, the airport has objected to the proposal. This is due to the proposed height that the balloon would rise to, and the close proximity of it to planes using the airport. We are very happy to work with Lindstrand to identify other possible sites for the tethered balloon that would not compromise flight safety.’
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