A villager has provoked the anger of his neighbours after he submitted plans to use his garden for private helicopter take-offs and landings. White and Sons, on behalf of applicant Roger Wade, has asked the South Downs National Park Authority to issue a certificate of lawfulness to permit private helicopter landings and take-offs from Poynings House in The Street, Poynings. The helicopter would land and take off near the garden's tennis court and would not need a formal hardstanding as it will happen less than once a month.
READ MORE: Old garages being demolished to make way for new council homes When it does take place, White and Sons said a temporary one-metre-long windsock on a three-metre-high pole will be staked into the ground for safety during manoeuvres. It will then be removed at all other times. White and Sons said the character of the property will not be impacted and there will be no commercial flight take-offs or landings from the garden.
A spokesman for White and Sons said: "It is not unusual for substantial houses such as this to include provision for helicopter landings and take-offs. "The proposed activity is analogous to the occupants and visitors to Poynings House arriving and departing by car. "The only difference is the mode of transport and the fact that the frequency of movements would be far less.
" Since the plans for a certificate of lawfulness were submitted, people living in the village have sent objections to the council. Resident Niki Cannon said:.
