Plans to establish camping sites for volunteers and contractors supporting the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) have received official approval. The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises has secured permission to utilize agricultural land near Fairford for hosting caravans up to 28 days a year.
Two designated areas have been approved: the northeastern site known as Cutlers Hill will accommodate up to 100 caravans for volunteers, while the southwestern Horcott Hill site will house up to 50 caravans primarily for contractors. Both locations will share existing vehicle access points off Horcott Road.
During the Cotswold District Council’s planning committee meeting, RIAT Operations Director Emma Wellman highlighted the absence of public objections and explained the need for committee review due to the site’s size exceeding one hectare. She emphasized RIAT’s status as one of the world’s largest military air shows, held annually at RAF Fairford since 1985, contributing significantly to the local economy.
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Wellman noted the charitable trust generated by RIAT channels its proceeds into STEM education initiatives, benefiting approximately 10,000 schoolchildren invited annually to the event. She also highlighted RIAT’s role in fostering international defense industry collaboration through events hosted alongside the RAF Chief of the Air Staff.
She described the essential role of around 1,400 volunteers—ranging from aviation enthusiasts to serving military personnel—in supporting the event. While much of the campsite falls under permitted development rights, formal planning permission was required for temporary caravan pitches, confirmed last year.
The proposal, put forward by Councillor Daryl Corps and seconded by Councillor Julia Judd, received unanimous approval from the committee. However, this year’s RIAT event has been canceled due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, which have impacted access to RAF Fairford as it is currently being used by the United States Air Force.