Wales Air Ambulance has launched a Pre‑Application Planning Consultation process for a proposed new airbase in Denbighshire — a development designed to improve access to lifesaving emergency care across North and Mid Wales.
The proposed site is to the west of Rhuallt, in Denbighshire, and the consultation invites residents and stakeholders to review the plans and share their views.
In-depth independent analysis shows that Wales Air Ambulance crews are currently missing hundreds of seriously ill or injured patients every year across Wales. Many of these patients are in North and Mid Wales and need help after 8pm, when they are reliant on the service’s only overnight crew — based in Cardiff — being available and able to reach them.
In 2023–24 alone, 551 life or limb-threatening emergencies in North and Mid Wales could not be reached between 8pm and 2am.
Meanwhile, the service’s existing resources at Caernarfon and Welshpool are underused. Together, they saw no patients for 362 days cumulatively – nearly a YEAR – across 2023 and 2024.
Reconfiguring the service and bringing these resources together at a single, strategically located base would allow two clinical teams to operate from the site — one from 8am–8pm and one from 2pm–2am — enabling the service to reach more patients and save more lives.
The proposed airbase site sits within the area identified by independent analysis as offering the greatest improvement in patient reach. It has been identified following an extensive specialist site search and is the only available, feasible option that meets strict aviation, safety and environmental requirements.
Captain James Grenfell, the service’s Chief Pilot for Wales, said: “There are strict rules in place that influence the suitability for the location of an air ambulance base. Power lines, flood plains, and topography are all important factors and significantly limit the number of sites which are suitable. People also sometimes confuse the fact that we can land in incredibly challenging terrains during an emergency with the more general principles we have to abide by when returning to base. Sometimes, this can rule out sites that, on first glance, may seem appropriate. For example, in recent conversations, people have asked about the suitability of St Asaph Business Park. Unfortunately, this area has a significant mass of powerlines, which rules it out for our type of operation.”
Early engagement with local residents and businesses began weeks before the formal consultation.
Dr Sue Barnes, the Charity’s Chief Executive, said: “Our primary duty is, and always will be, to those patients who need our lifesaving services. We exist for the people of Wales and because of the people of Wales.
“Our community roots are deep, and community voices are essential to developing our proposal. This is why we wanted to engage directly with the community in Rhuallt as soon as we were in a position to do so – rather than wait for the formal consultation. It was important to listen and answer questions in advance of the consultation to understand how the proposed development could integrate sensitively and positively into the area.
“We are very grateful to those who have taken the time to engage with us so far. We have received many comments of support for the development within the community, but there are also people who have expressed some concerns and have questions about the local impact. This is a very unique development, so questions are completely understandable and expected.”
Questions about potential noise have been common during the early engagement. A detailed study by Anderson Acoustics confirms that the proposed site is not expected to cause any significant adverse noise impacts above and beyond existing background noise for nearby residents.
The study used realistic flight profiles, conservative flight-path height assumptions, and expected activity levels, and its findings were verified by detailed acoustic measurements taken at an existing operational base.
Dr Barnes said: “Questions about noise are completely understandable. Factored into the survey is our expected activity. We attend only 1% of 999 calls, with around five missions per day expected from the proposed base—which includes roughly one after 8pm. About 40% of missions would be by road. Local experience can often be shaped by low-flying police or military aircraft, but our aircraft typically fly much higher—between 800ft and over 1,000ft. Take-offs and landings would be rapid and infrequent, and flight paths are designed to minimise impact on residents.”
While the study indicates no unacceptable noise effects, the Charity plans further steps. This includes avoiding direct flight over properties where possible, and the development of a detailed landscaping and lighting plan to provide natural screening and protect dark skies – both for the benefit of the community and local wildlife.
Some people have asked about the environmental impact due to the site’s proximity to a nationally protected landscape. The proposals are supported by comprehensive ecological surveys that shaped the design to minimise impacts on wildlife, watercourses, trees and hedgerows. The scheme is expected to deliver a biodiversity net gain. A Landscape and Visual Appraisal shows no significant effect on the neighbouring National Landscape or potential National Park.
As well as improving access to critical care, the proposed airbase would bring significant long-term economic and social benefits to the region. Construction would use local and Welsh supply chains where possible. Once the site is operational, there would be a boost in demand for local services, creating opportunities for businesses to support an essential emergency service.
The development would also include community-focused facilities such as a patient and family room, and a multi-purpose learning space which could promote careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. This reflects the wider role modern air ambulance bases play in strengthening local pride and connection.
Wales Air Ambulance remains committed to being a good neighbour, maintaining strong local partnerships, and ensuring residents have an ongoing voice in how the service integrates into the community.
All consultation materials, surveys and feedback channels are available at:
www.walesairambulanceconsultation.co.uk. The consultation runs until Friday 13 March and the Charity is encouraging residents and stakeholders to take part.
