TOWN-PLANNING AND AIRCRAFT.

Dunstan Times, Issue 3137, 2 October 1922, Page 7

TOWN-PLANNING AND AIRCRAFT.

(By Major C. C. Turner).. No one doubts that in time air services will be run between the. more important towns; and, foreseeing this, those responsible for a town-planning scheme at Northampton have been discussing the advisability of making aerodrome provision, of leaving open a sufficient area in the best position, and! Of using the ground for other purposes until it is required for the air port. They have sought expert advice as to the extent of the land that should be set aside, the nature of the ground, and its situation. Clearly such provision is reasonable, because it may save the authorities expense and inconvenience when it becomes necessary to establish an air port. . Northampton would be an important centre and calling-place in an inland air-line system, and there is no reason why such a system should not now be considered. The Post Office is sympathetic, but cannot do anything until there are facilities for day and night and all-the-yenr-round services. On a big scale, with regular freight, aircraft could be profitable. But it is unlikely that there will be a sudden adoption of such a system; rather will it grow gradually from small beginnings. Townplanning authorities, however, would be well advised to look ahead, and not bo impressed unduly by the present somewhat discouraging outlook for inland air lines. Wjth a service between the Channel Islands and Southampton certain of early realisation, and with services between London and Glasgow and London and Belfast and Dublin under serious consideration, the day cannot bo long delayed when many big towns will be compelled to take measures.

Northampton is not the only town that has considered this matter. A little while ago a former Mayor of Brighton suggested the construction of a, worthy approach by the London road through the town to the sea front, a wide, handsome boulevard, with trees, cafes, and a four-way thoroughfare for fast and slow traffic both ways. The cost of sii'db an undertaking gave the opposition powerful arguments, but opposition was also raised on the ground that although road traffic between London and Brighton rapidly increases, presumably at the expenses of railway traffic, this is a transition phase, and the day is almost at hand when the airway will be the principal competitor of the railway. It was. therefore, urged that the town should take early measures to secure land for a splendid aerodrome, with a wide road from it to the sea front. In the selection of a site for an aerodrome very careful examination of the locality is l ' necessary; and this examination should be made by aviators, and with special reference to conditions at all seasons of the year. There were some curious blunders 1 during the war in the selection of aerodrome sites, and in .some cases: money was laid out on entirely unsuitable ground. Looking to the future, it is, of course, necessary to consider the types of aeroplanes that will be used. These will be specially designed commercial craft, and not fast scouts. Advantage can he taken of the experience that is being gained at Waddon aetodrome.

Flat country is to be preferred, although a slight slope is not absolutely prohibitive. The shape of the aerodrome, its surface, its soil, and the immediate surroundings are matters 1 of importance. Tf the site be not absolutely square or round its greatest diameter should be in the direction of the prevailing wind, but there must bo room to land in and get off in all winds and also in calm. Future buMding probabilities in the neighborhood should be ascertained, otherwise a selected site may have to be abandoned. The geology of the district and matters affecting drainage must be taken into account. There are regions where early mohiing fog is denser and busts longer than in others, and although aircraft will ere long be httle affected by local on- ground fog it cannot be; altogether ignored. It may be found expedient to asphalt the whole surface of an 'acro-

drome, for this would have the effect of reducing fog. Land 1 chosen, for future aerodromes can in the meantime be used for recreation or for grazing and even for agriculture. Waste will be avoided! by the early adoption of a policy. Big cities are handicapped, for it is difficult to find laud near the centre. Loudon, however, with its air port twelve miles out, is not ai representative case. There arc many quite large towns 1 that could have an aerodrome within ten minutes' drive of the town hall. Aircraft are more and more developing in the direction of low-landing speeds, so; that they may use small fields, but this does not_ mean that a> town's air port may bo" very great deal of traffic, with many simultaneous arrival's and departures.