Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) has confirmed that planning permission has been granted for its new Northern Airbase, which is to be located on the outskirts of Skipton on Swale, near Thirsk, UK. This marks a significant milestone for the aeromedical charity that has long yearned for a permanent home in the northern part of Yorkshire to enable it to deliver life-saving critical care across the whole of Yorkshire in a timely manner.

Following years of searching for a suitable site, YAA has agreed to purchase some land on the outskirts of Skipton on Swale, 3.5 miles from its current operations at RAF Topcliffe, and North Yorkshire Council has now granted planning permission for the development to commence. This milestone has only been possible through close cooperation with North Yorkshire Council, external agencies and interested parties to ensure that the charity's plans are sympathetic, sustainable and environmentally friendly. The new base will be purpose-built to reflect the exceptional facilities already established at the YAA's Nostell Air Support Unit near Wakefield and will create a dedicated, long-term base for the northern region, providing stability for YAA's lifesaving operations and ensuring it is equipped to respond to emergencies efficiently and quickly, with the latter particularly important to the more isolated rural communities especially in the North and East of the county.

Mike Harrop, chairman of Yorkshire Air Ambulance, says: “We are delighted with this news and look forward to starting the build process in due course. This has already been a long journey for YAA and, after searching for a number of years, to now secure the right site for our new Northen Airbase is very exciting.”

For over a decade, YAA has been a tenant at RAF Topcliffe, benefiting from the invaluable support of the Royal Air Force, the British Army's 4th Regiment Royal Artillery and crucially the local community. While this relationship has been pivotal in enabling YAA to deliver its critical service, the charity's vision for a purpose-built base reflects its commitment to advancing its capabilities and ensuring its crews can operate at the highest level in the years ahead.

Harrop continues: “The new site at Skipton on Swale is only 3.5 miles away from our current base at RAF Topcliffe, however, with the future of the military site uncertain, the need to ensure our future in this part of the region was paramount. We are delighted that the outskirts of Skipton on Swale will be our permanent home for years to come and allow us to maintain continuity and stability for our critical care service.”

Built with sustainability in mind, the new base offers energy-efficient infrastructure and flexible space to support the evolving needs of the charity's HEMS operations and will include: a clinical planning room, advanced training and simulation suite, crew accommodation, wellbeing zones and ample meeting spaces.

“This new airbase represents a significant investment for Yorkshire Air Ambulance and one that is entirely aimed at improving the service we deliver to the communities we serve. It will strengthen our service, enhance patient care and provide a modern facility designed specifically for the needs of our aviation and medical crew. It has only been possible through the continued generosity of our supporters and funders, whose backing is pivotal to us sustaining and improving our life-saving work,” adds Harrop.

The cost of the development is expected to be covered by pre-planned savings and investments, grant funding, philanthropic support and private donations.

The project has been designed by Leeds-based architects Group Ginger, and the charity is now in the process of appointing a lead contractor and will then commence the development. A completion date is yet to be confirmed.