BIH withdraws its St Erth planning application

“This is odd. According to the heading there are 11 comments but I can only see 5. I would hope that "This is Cornwall" would not automatically delete comments that other writers "reported" simply because they disagreed with the position being taken.

BIH's future is a hugely contentious issue and is bound to produce strong views but surely it is better if all opinions can be seen, [subject to them not being abusive or libellous, of course].

On the subject, and assuming you want them to survive, the best thing that could have happened to BIH would have been for them to stay in Eastern Green. It was the supreme location from a marketing point of view. Sat at the heart of a rail, road and marine transport hub, visible to the casual tripper and able to deliver Scillonians into the centre of Penzance to allow them to conduct their business in a day they were unassailable despite a ticket price that is 20% higher than the Skybus.

There is no where else on the Planet where fixed wing and helicopters compete over the same routes. The cost dynamics are so heavily stacked against these expensive machines that they cannot survive. A move away from their present home to a site that doesn't duplicate their current Unique Selling Points looks sure to signal their demise.

What should have happened two years ago when they made the first announcement of the sale of the heliport, is that the Council, who were able to fund the take over of Newquay Airport, should have stepped in, bought it and leased it back. It would have been a low risk strategy and surely finacially more worthwhile than the sums they are proposing to invest in County Hall and the Truro Stadium.

The truth is that this service is barely [or not] profitable so if it had to close in a few years time the County would have owned a valuable sellable asset so there would have been little taxpayer risk. But it won't happen now. Very sad.”

“The idiots in Penzance Town Council who approved the planning application for Sainsburys will be to blame for the eventual total loss of the Helicopter service to the Islands.

Did they really believe BIH wanted to continue this service ?

It seems BIH change their minds regarding its current profitability depending on who they are talking to and what argument they are trying to win but the general opinion seem to be it's making a loss and can't even continue from the site it currently owns.

BIH convinced the Town Council that once approval for the Sainsburys was secured it would sell off the site and relocate, this would ensure the future of the service.

Wouldn't it have been sensible to make sure they had a suitable new site to relocate to first then approve the planning for Sainsburys ?

Now BIH is free to take the money and run.”

“BIH were forced to sell Penzance Heliport because they had accumulated losses in the past and had to take loans from the Bank of Ireland to keep going. These loans were secured by a mortgage on Company's land and property. They have only been making modest profits or losses in recent years meaning they had to sell the site to pay off the loans or have the heliport site sold for them. (from 2009 accounts filed with Companies House).

The Sainsbury's offer was a get out-of-jail card – a chance to save the Company and possibly the IOS service but only if the service was economically justifiable and an acceptable site could be found. Sainsburys is being vilified for buying the Heliport but in fact it saved BIH's skin – the accounts suggest the Company would have ceased trading but for the ability to secure loans against the valuable heliport site.

BIH have previously said that Newquay is not a viable long solution (due to increased distance for fuel hungry helicopters). They are already much more expensive (£190 verses £135) to fly with than Skybus.

The BIH scheduled heliport service is unique in the UK I believe. Helicopter services cannot compete against fixed wing aircraft where a fixed wing service is possible due to higher fuel, maintenance and capital costs. The service to Tresco has no fixed wing competition but the route to St Mary's does. Previous BIH annual directors' reports have commented on the long term downward trend in passenger numbers. Skybus has been increasing its market share in air passengers travelling to St Mary's – it now exceeds 50%. The outlook is not promising.”

“I do not see any reason why they cannot relocate to Newquay Airport, the county council should make allowances on fees etc. seeing it's in their interest to increase aircraft movements at their own airport! Well done St.Erth and it will be better for Eastern Green beach in Penzance also which is currently ruined by the noise and smell of aviation fuel from the current heliport, stop being so greedy BIH and negotiate with Newquay Airport for everyone's sakes!”

“Worse news ever what about all the staffs jobs at risk and how can you say that its because fo pollution and noise when you are right at the side of the main A30 and a train station and industrial estate !!! hope something comes up better for all the people and their families at the heliport !!!”

“Are we not allowed a say !!!! obviously NOT”

“Thats right keep deleting my message what about our views !!!”

“worse news ever what about all the jobs at risk and the important link to the isle of silly !! how can it be any different than living right next to the main A30, train station and idustrial estate makes NO sence! all i hope is that something come through for all the staff and their families at the heliport !!!!”

“Congratulation to everyone at St Erth. You must be absolutely delighted and relieved that common sense has prevailed at last. I am so happy for you all. Now, at the risk of frequently repeating myself, what is wrong with using Newquay Airport for goodness sake? I know it would mean the aircraft will have to fly further and will therefore need to take on extra fuel hence they will have to carry less passengers as a consequence but surely if the need arises, make more flights to compensate. That way everyone wins.”

“"Best news since St Ercus came up the Hayle River and made the village St Erth. I've nothing against the Scilly Isle People. I love the place. St Erth was not the best location despite what BIH would say. I hope now that BIH and Newquay Airport can come to an agreement."”