Major plans which would see Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance's headquarters moved closer to the Island have been cleared for take off.

The charity hopes the relocation will dramatically reduce response times to emergencies on the Island.

Currently HIOWAA is based at Thruxton, Andover, on the north-west edge of the county, a considerable distance from the majority of its missions. 

Plans to move the base to near Southampton Airport, on George Curl Way, were unanimously approved by Eastleigh planning officials on Tuesday, July 23.   

The charity says the move will put them at the heart of 70 per cent of its call-outs.

Richard Corbett, HIOWAA, CEO, said:  “We are extremely pleased to have gained approval from Eastleigh Borough Council.

"We thank everyone who has provided input and feedback to our application, none more so than the swathe of people in our community who submitted overwhelmingly positive feedback not just for this relocation, but for our service as a whole.  

“This move will undoubtedly allow us to save more lives, more regularly. Every decision we make as a charity is with the outcomes of our patients at its heart – and this move typifies that.” 

A total of 371 comments were received, of which only four were objections – in addition to the 612 comments made prior to the application via public consultation.    

The new airbase is just 70 metres from the M27, and close to the M3, which the charity says will allow the team to better utilise its fleet of emergency response vehicles alongside the charity’s aircraft. 

The planning committee noted that it is rare within their role that they make decisions that save lives – and it was therefore an easy decision to make. 

In the document prepared for Eastleigh Local Area Committee, it states: "Overall, the scheme provides a life-saving service to the borough and beyond in a far superior location than its existing HQ north of the county. 

"This is a great planning benefit that weighs heavily in favour of permission." 

The air ambulance now has several next steps, including agreeing operational plans with key partners.