Your Skipton Radio

6:00pm - 8:00am

Email the studio

The Script

We Cry

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

Yorkshire Water says end of hosepipe ban is near as rainfall continues

Yorkshire Water says hosepipe restrictions could be lifted 'within weeks' as sustained rainfall continues to boost water supplies across the region.
Yorkshire Air Ambulance raises £52,000 at first ever fundraising ball

Yorkshire Air Ambulance has raised more than £52,000 as part of its first ever fundraising ball.
Mayor of Skipton to raise money for children's hospice charity

Skipton’s Christmas Light Switch-On will include a series of fundraising activities led by the Mayor of Skipton, Councillor Winston Feather.
CCTV installed at Skipton bus station following crime reports

A new temporary CCTV camera has been installed at Skipton Bus Station following concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.
Yorkshire housing market won't suffer budget blues

Skipton estate agent, Dacre, Son & Hartley, believes Yorkshire’s housing market will be largely immune to the property tax changes announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in this week’s autumn budget.
Opticians provide Skipton pupils with hi-vis to stay visible this winter

A team of opticians has delivered 60 hi-vis vests to pupils at Embasy Primary School to help them stay safe and seen during the darker months.
Reshuffle of North Yorkshire Council committees set to take place next year

A reshuffle of North Yorkshire Council's committees following the Conservative-led group’s loss of its majority may not take place until next year.
North Yorkshire's mayor welcomes 'landmark' budget and new tourism tax powers

York and North Yorkshire’s elected mayor has welcomed the ‘biggest landmark budget in decades’ amid a promise of investment for the region.
Skipton Santa Fun Run is a record-breaker as entries close

Entry for this Sunday's Great Skipton Santa Fun Run has now closed, with a highest-ever 2,500 people set to take part.
CCTV images released following bike theft in Skipton

North Yorkshire Police have released CCTV images of an individual they would like to speak to
More than 200 cyclists injured on North Yorkshire roads in past year

Newly released data shows that more than 200 cyclists were injured in road traffic collisions across North Yorkshire during the past year.
Local nursery thank butchers for book sponsorship

DRake and Macefield butchers located in Skipton, recently provided nursery children with new books.
Firework show to take place at Skipton Xmas lights switch-on

Pet owners and local residents are being warned that a firework show will take place on Skipton High Street this Sunday teatime.
Skipton Boat Trips finalists for leisure and tourism business of the year

Skipton Boat Trips were listed among the finalists for Leisure and Tourism Business of the Year in The Family Business Community Yorkshire and Humberside Awards
Fees to rise at North Yorkshire leisure centres

Fees to use North Yorkshire leisure centres are set to rise as council chiefs announce a review of prices across the county.
Skipton switch-on headliner to launch Christmas EP

Yorkshire singer Stacey, who received KSI’s ‘golden buzzer’ on the BGT, will be the final act on stage before Christmas is officially turned on in the town.
Skipton Theatre company announces Little Shop of Horrors as their 2026 production

Skipton Musical Theatre Company has announced that its 2026 production will be Little Shop of Horrors.
Addingham Scouts raise a frightening £11,500

Addingham Scout Group held its annual Halloween fundraising event at Golden Acre Park, and raised a frightening £11,500!
Yorkshire Water provide update on 'dangerous' leak in Skipton

Following a water mains leak and crack in the road at the junction of Keighley Rd and Carleton Rd in Skipton, Yorkshire Water have told Your Skipton they expect to reopen the road by Tuesday 25 November.
Swap your jumpers for socks to raise funds for charity

Airedale Hospital and Community Charity invite you to swap out your Festive jumpers for socks this year to spread festive cheer throughout the community on Friday 12 December.