Urban planning and airports: Land use compatibility for optimal development of malindi Airport

Abstract

The problem of incompatible land uses around airports is a critical one which has been allowed to develop largely through the inadequate provision of appropriate planning measures. Malindi Airport which was originally located in relatively open area has become surrounded by residential and commercial developments. The diffusion of urban population has brought more people in proximity with the airport. In addition, the increased activities from airport operation and airport development are limited by inadequate land for expansion. The research objectives were to establish the various land uses within the vicinity of Malindi Airport and their impact on the Airport; to investigate the impact of the airport on the land uses within its vicinity; to determine land requirement for the ultimate development of Malindi Airport; and lastly, to propose appropriate measures for integrating Malindi Airport with other land uses. The research methodology involved literature review, primary and secondary data collection, data analysis, interpretation and synthesis and subsequent recommendations to address land use compatibility problems facing Malindi Airport. Approaches to land –use planning around Schiphol, Melbourne and Washington Dulles International Airports have been reviewed as case studies for benchmarking. Primary data collection involved household questionnaires, interview with key informants and survey of existing land uses by field observation. Sampling procedures as propounded in the Central Limit Theorem were used to arrive at the sample size, whereas the individual elements of the sample were selected through random sampling technique. The study established that existing land use structure within the proximity of the airport imposes limitations to the growth of the airport to accommodate long haul aircraft and that the airport is a nuisance due to noise, air and water pollution among other negative impacts. The study recommends land use compatibility measures through integrated development plans, building codes and zoning plans. Compatibility measures will seek to mitigate the negative effect of the airport operations and address airspace safety and protection. It proposes the relocation of Malindi-Ganda road (C103) for the extension of runway 07/25 from 1.2km to 2.4 km for the ultimate development of the airport. Lastly, the study proposes an action plan with objectives, expected results and institutions responsible for implementation.