Update on plans to install replica Hawk jet at Fylde Memorial Arboretum in Bispham
“Socially the proposal would enhance the memorial garden and would not have an unacceptable impact on amenity.”
Proposals to install a half-size fabricated Hawk jet replica within the Fylde Memorial Arboretum at Bispham have been approved by planners.
The new memorial will pay special tribute to the RAF at the Memorial Arboretum, a woodland site of remembrance which is the only one of its kind outside the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas in Staffordshire.
The Arboretum off Moor Park Avenue has played host to many services of dedication in recent years.
The replica has previous history on the Fylde coast; it was previously installed and publicly displayed at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, in the guise of a Red Arrow. The famous RAF display team employs Hawk jets.
Approval was given after a planning application was submitted to Blackpool Council for installation of the half size hawk jet replica as an RAF Memorial at the Arboretum.
What statement said
A supporting statement for the proposals said: “The memorial will form part of the wider military and historic memorial setting already established throughout the arboretum.
“Its previous long-term installation within Blackpool (Pleasure Beach) demonstrates that the structure is capable of withstanding local weather conditions.
“The proposal has received support and involvement from local organisations, businesses, volunteers, and educational institutions.
“Blackpool Illuminations Team assisted with transportation of the aircraft from its previous location, and students and tutors from Blackpool and Fylde College have undertaken extensive restoration and refurbishment works to the replica, returning it to a high-quality condition.
“Funding for the memorial stones and associated commemorative elements is currently being raised through local donations and business support.”
Size of replica
The aircraft replica is constructed from fibreglass and steel and measures 6.5 metres (21 feet) in length, with a wingspan of 5.5 metres (18 feet) and a support column height of 5.5 metres.
With a lowest wing height above ground level of 3.5 metres (11.5ft) and a circular planting bed diameter of 3 metres 99.8ft), the aircraft will be positioned in an angled “banking left” orientation to create the appearance of flight.
By contrast, the body length of a genuine full size BAE Systems Hawk jet ranges from 11.34 meters (37 feet 4 inches) for the Hawk 200 to 12.43 meters (40 feet 9 inches) for the newer Hawk T2.
The support structure will comprise a cylindrical steel column fixed to an engineered concrete foundation below ground level.
Ongoing maintenance, inspections, and care of the memorial will be undertaken jointly by the Fylde Memorial Arboretum team together with Blackpool and Fylde College.
A planning officer’s report stated: “Economically the proposal would have very little impact but would feed into training at Blackpool and the Fylde College.
“Environmentally the proposal would be acceptable, having minimal visual impact and adding a small amount of planting to an existing grassed area.
“Socially the proposal would enhance the memorial garden and would not have an unacceptable impact on amenity.”