Yorkshire Air Ambulance gets green light for new North Yorkshire base
Planning permission has been approved for purpose-built facility near Thirsk
Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) has announced that planning permission has been granted for its new Northern Airbase, to be built on the outskirts of Skipton on Swale, near Thirsk. The new facility marks a significant milestone for the charity, which has long aimed to establish a permanent base in the north of the county to support rapid emergency care across Yorkshire.
The charity has purchased land just 3.5 miles from its current location at RAF Topcliffe, where it has operated for more than a decade. The new development will offer a permanent, purpose-built base and is intended to match the standard of YAA’s existing Air Support Unit at Nostell, near Wakefield.
“This has already been a long journey for YAA,” said Mike Harrop, Chairman of Yorkshire Air Ambulance. “After searching for a number of years, to now secure the right site for our new Northern Airbase is very exciting.”
“This new airbase represents a significant investment aimed entirely at improving the service we deliver. It will enhance patient care and provide a modern, fit-for-purpose facility for our aviation and medical teams.”
The airbase will include a clinical planning room, advanced training and simulation facilities, crew accommodation, wellbeing areas, and flexible working spaces. It will ensure YAA crews can respond quickly, particularly to isolated rural areas in the north and east of Yorkshire.