PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN BY ASD

The ASD consultancy was started in 1997 by Richard Vousden in response to the increasing profile of aerodrome safeguarding and the CAA's stated intention to devolve safeguarding responsibilities to all operators. This it ultimately did in February 2003.

Since its start, ASD has been involved in projects the length and breadth of the UK. These include assisting airports to safeguard their operations, advising developers, architects and constructors wishing to build near to airports, producing safeguarding charts, and helping Local Planning Authorities with aerodrome-associated problems. Typical of the many projects undertaken are those for, and around, London City Airport.

London City Airport

Since 1999 ASD has been advising London City Airport on all safeguarding matters, and as a result of the airport's proactive approach to safeguarding, LPAs and many developers are well aware of the statutory safeguarding requirements for the airport.

Because of its position close to the City of London, London City is protected by a unique set of safeguarded surfaces that owe little to the parameters laid down in the CAA's CAP 168. ASD has played an important part in many developments around the airport, including the Royals Business Park, the UEL and Royal Quays.

Silvertown Quays

Silvertown Quays is the largest example of developments around London City Airport for which ASD has been the safeguarding consultant. It lies off the Western end of the airport, just South of the centreline, and is a very large and prestigious £1.5 billion development. Planning permission was given by the LPA, Newham, on 2 May 2007.

ASD has been involved from the early days, advising on the effects that safeguarding would have upon the plans. This close to the airport the protected surfaces are complex and restrictive, so early on we created an envelope of maximum build heights over the whole area, enabling buildings and structures to be planned within the safeguarding surfaces.

Docklands Light Railway

For such a major project this close to London City Airport it was vital that the safeguarding limitations were observed during both the planning and construction phases. ASD was closely involved, advising both the contractors (AMEC) and the airport.

Once again, ASD used the maximum building height envelope technique for the route taken along the Western and Southern sides of the airport. In addition, advice was given on the use of tall plant during the contruction phase.

The ExCeL Centre Extension

ASD has also been closely involved with the planning and design of the proposed new ExCeL extension. Because this project is close to the airport, it has again been necessary to use the maximum building height technique for the design. The construction phase has also been subject to detailed analysis in order to determine the temporary effects of the plant upon the airport's protected surfaces.

On a Smaller Scale

Those above represent some of the major projects in which ASD has played an important part, advising all parties on the limitations imposed by the airport's safeguarded surfaces. This does not mean, however, that all projects undertaken are this large.

ASD has advised many aerodromes, large and small, licensed and unlicensed, on the safeguarding implications of individual structures, including internal developments, buildings, cellphone masts and wind turbines.

All of our advice is from an aviation perspective, so if you feel that you need our help, please contact us.