VILLAGERS in south Warwickshire are fighting to stop helicopters blighting their lives.
Lighthorne Heath residents say they have had to contend with the “inconsiderate and dangerous” helipad used by neighbouring luxury car manufacturer Aston Martin for a number of years.
They say the helipad, just metres away from homes, gardens and playgrounds, is being used without planning permission and is often used several times a day and late into the night.
Villagers have now set up a petition at Change.org which has attracted over 100 signatures.
Resident and parish councillor Ben Robinson, who set up the petition, said:”The helipad being used at Aston Martin and the resulting frequent low helicopter landings have become a significant source of noise pollution, posing serious health hazards to our residents.
“It is crucial that we take action now to protect the tranquility and safety of our village.”
“Living in Upper Lighthorne for many years, I have witnessed first hand the increasing number of helicopters flying at dangerously low altitudes over residential areas during landing procedures.
“Furthermore, the excessive noise caused by these low helicopter landings not only affects our quality of life but also poses potential risks to our physical and mental health.”
An application for planning permission for the helipad was refused by Stratford District Council in 2022.
Councillors refused the application on the grounds they believed it would result in significant harm to the residential properties of Lighthorne Heath and unacceptable noise levels.
A second application for the helipad was submitted in 2023 but a date has not yet been set for it to go before a planning committee.
An Aston Martin spokesperson said: “As a global business, Aston Martin sometimes welcomes international investors, high value customers and supplier partners to our Warwickshire headquarters, some of which choose to arrive by air.
“While these helicopter movements are essential to our business activities, we are working proactively on measures to minimalise disruption for our neighbours. This matter remains part of an ongoing planning process.”
To view the petition visit https://www.change.org/p/stop-low-helicopter-landings-in-upper-lighthorne
