Plans to build a “Bond-esque” subterranean helicopter lift in a back garden have been refused by a London council.
The contentious proposal in Manor Park, Chislehurst, received 12 objections and three letters of support from neighbours and it was turned down by Bromley planners on May 2.
Officers refused the planning application on the grounds that it would be an “inappropriate development” within London’s Green Belt.
The applicant, Matt Benaron, wanted to build the helicopter storage facility in the 3.85-acre grounds of Cookham Dene, a Grade II-listed house that according to planning documents was built in 1882 by renowned Victorian architect Sir Aston Webb, best known for designing the principal façade of Buckingham Palace.
Planning documents also state that Mr Benaron currently uses an area in the property’s garden to make use of a helicopter, and that various owners of Cookham Dene have used that same area for the take-off and landing of helicopters since 2005.
Mr Benaron wished to construct the subterranean lift to negate potential security risks and property damage posed by having the aircraft out in the open.
Chislehurst residents who opposed the development believed that the construction of the storage facility would increase the frequency of helicopter flights in and out of the property, something they claim negatively impacts on their residential life.
One objector said: “As I understand it the current occupants are limited to 28 days use per year without planning permission. This limit is in place to ensure that helicopter operations remain occasional and do not negatively impact the local community.
“However, should this planning application be approved, the site would be classified as a permanent helipad, removing the limitations and therefore allowing for an unlimited number of flights throughout the year. Should the development go ahead the noise and disruption caused by regular helicopter operations in such close proximity to residential properties would be completely unacceptable.”
A direct neighbour of the property commented: “The previous owner of Cookham Dene used a helicopter to take off and land on occasion in approximately the same area. This was about 20 years ago. I can attest to the terrible noise, the smell of aviation fuel, the fact that our house doors and windows rattled, my infant son was terrified whenever it arrived or took off, our enjoyment of our garden was spoilt and I cannot agree that a built up area is the place to regularly use a helicopter.”
Another objector said: “Due to the noise pollution and built up residential area I strongly believe this helipad will cause considerable problems and potential damage to the environment. I can’t see the necessity of it.”
Neighbours who came out in support of the proposal believed that Cookham Dene has been known for its helicopter use for some time and thought the proposal was an “elegant solution” to helicopter storage. One said: “As a neighbour, I’ve watched helicopters fly in and out of the property in the past, and it’s not been an issue for me.”
One enthusiastic supporter wrote: “As a keen aviation fan I support this application wholeheartedly. If only more people were able to have the ability to aviate in and out of their properties. It would certainly ease road congestion! And it’s extremely Bond-esque! Good luck sir with your application!”
