Alex Cann

6:30am - 10:00am

Email the studio

Hall & Oates

Private Eyes

Listen Live Podcasts

Yorkshire Air Ambulance gets go-ahead for new base

Thursday, 26 June 2025 07:25

By Joe Willis, Local Democracy Reporter

An artist's impression of the New Yorkshire Air Ambulance northern base.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) has got approval to build a new northern base.

The facility will be opened on the outskirts of Skipton-on-Swale, near Thirsk, around three-and-a-half miles from the charity’s current base at RAF Topcliffe.

YAA has agreed to buy the land for the base and planning permission has now been approved by North Yorkshire Council.

The charity has been a tenant at the RAF base for more than a decade.

But it has spent several years searching for a permanent home in North Yorkshire due to uncertainty surrounding the future of the military facility.

Mike Harrop, chairman of Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said:

“We are delighted with this news and look forward to starting the build process in due course.

“This has already been a long journey for YAA and, after searching for a number of years, to now secure the right site for our new northern airbase is very exciting.”

He added:

“We are delighted that the outskirts of Skipton-on-Swale will be our permanent home for years to come and allow us to maintain continuity and stability for our critical care service.

“This new airbase represents a significant investment for Yorkshire Air Ambulance and one that is entirely aimed at improving the service we deliver to the communities we serve.

“It will strengthen our service, enhance patient care and provide a modern facility designed specifically for the needs of our aviation and medical crew.”

Mr Harrop said the new base was only possible thanks to the generosity of the charity’s supporters and funders.

The cost of the development is expected to be covered by savings and investments, grant funding, philanthropic support and private donations.

The new purpose-built base will include a clinical planning room, advanced training and simulation suite, crew accommodation, well-being zones and meeting spaces.

YAA also has an operational base at Nostell, near Wakefield.

The organisation operates a fleet of Airbus H145 D3 helicopters, serving a population of five million people.

More from Local news

Family appeal for help finding cat after seven weeks missing in Gargrave

An appeal has been launched to help find a cat who has been missing from his home in Gargrave for seven weeks.
Man arrested on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs in Skipton

A man has been arrested on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs following a plain-clothes police operation in Skipton.
£20m regeneration programme launched for Keighley

A new £20million programme aimed at supporting the long-term regeneration of Keighley has been launched.
Skipton Three Peaks challenge raises £8,000 for dementia charity

Walkers have raised more than £8,000 for Dementia Forward after completing an 18-mile challenge around the Skipton countryside.
Keighley shops can keep selling alcohol despite licences being revoked

Four Keighley stores that were found selling illegal goods will be able to sell alcohol until February, despite Councillors deciding they should be stripped of their licences in March.
Police search for Keighley man following Skipton burglary

Police are appealing for help to find a wanted man in connection with a burglary in Skipton.
Beer and Gin Festival returning to Glusburn this weekend

A popular beer and gin festival is returning to Glusburn this weekend with local drinks, food and live music.
North Yorkshire hospices warn of cuts and closures as funding crisis deepens

Hospice services across North Yorkshire are at risk of cuts and closure as a multi-million-pound funding crisis deepens, charity chiefs have warned.
Silsden care home launches appeal for handmade clothes protectors

A Silsden care home is calling on local crafters and sewers to help create handmade clothes protectors for its residents.
Keighley named best town in Yorkshire for second year running

Keighley has been named the Best Overall Town in Yorkshire for the second consecutive year at the Yorkshire in Bloom Awards.
Long-running Skipton craft shop to close as owners retire

A long-running Yorkshire craft business is set to close its Skipton shop as its owners announce their retirement.
Airedale Seniors Collective celebrates successful Silsden gathering

A community initiative aimed at bringing older people together across the Aire Valley has celebrated the success of its second event.
Skipton fish and chip shop sponsors junior football team

Young footballers in Skipton have unveiled a brand new kit thanks to the support of a local fish and chip shop.
64 arrests made in North Yorkshire Police's biggest ever operation

North Yorkshire Police made 64 arrests during a 24-hour crackdown on serious and organised crime across the county.
Skipton BID celebrates Silver Gilt success at Yorkshire in Bloom Awards

Skipton BID is celebrating after receiving a Silver Gilt award at the 2026 Yorkshire in Bloom Awards.
Skipton BID rejects claims town is struggling

Skipton BID has rejected suggestions that the town 'as a whole' is struggling while backing calls for investment to improve Skipton Market.
Sugden End tip reopening approved after £400,000 funding row

Sugden End tip near Keighley will re-open by the end of the year, despite an impassioned debate over how it will be funded.
Over 500 Afghans resettled in North Yorkshire as 23 households await new homes

More than 500 people from Afghanistan have now been resettled in North Yorkshire, according to a new report outlining progress with the county’s refugee programmes.
Craven College students join campaign to reopen Skipton-Colne railway

Craven College students are joining the campaign to reopen the missing rail link between Skipton and Colne.
Cyclist dies following collision on A59 near Skipton

Police are appealing for witnesses after a cyclist died following a collision on the A59 near Skipton.