Bell Bar Private Airstrip

The closure is understood to be a direct result of the death of the airstrip's owner and operator, Mr. John Taylor. As a private airstrip, its existence and operation were solely dependent on the owner. Following his passing, aviation activities ceased, and the land was repurposed by his estate or subsequent landowners.

The site of the former airstrip has fully reverted to agricultural land, integrated into the surrounding Bell Bar Farm. The distinct, linear shape of the former runway is still clearly visible on satellite imagery as a long, open field. However, it is no longer mown or maintained for aviation and is likely used for grazing or as a hay meadow. There are no remaining hangars, windsocks, or any other aviation-specific infrastructure on the site.

Bell Bar was a classic example of a private, unlicensed General Aviation (GA) grass airstrip. Its significance was purely local, serving as a private base for the owner's aircraft and those of a small number of invited pilots. Operations were strictly PPR (Prior Permission Required). The facility consisted of a single, well-maintained grass runway, approximately 750 meters long, designated 02/20. It primarily handled light, single-engine aircraft typical of private leisure flying, such as Pipers and Cessnas. It held no military or commercial significance and was not used for public transport or flight training.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening the Bell Bar airstrip. Given that its operation was tied to a specific individual who has passed away and the land is now in agricultural use, a return to aviation activity is considered extremely unlikely. Re-establishing an airfield would require new ownership with an aviation interest and would face significant planning and regulatory hurdles.