Homes plan near Shropshire training base blown off course by helicopters
Plans to build new homes next to an Army training camp in Shropshire have been refused by planning bosses.
The scheme had included three houses with garages and associated access next to the Nesscliffe Training Camp at Wilcot, Nesscliffe, near Shrewsbury.
But the Ministry of Defence had objected to the plans because it feared the noise generated by operations would be disturbing to any neighbours and down draughts from the helicopters flying in and out of the base could cause damage to the buildings.
Jeremy Eaton, from the MoD's Defence Infrastructure Organisation, said: "The Nesscliffe Training Area is owned by the Army; however, it is extensively used by the Royal Air Force who use the site for helicopter training purposes to support front-line activity. It is appreciated that the regular flying programme, in support of the Defence of the Realm, can unfortunately cause some annoyance to neighbours by reason of noise disturbance.
"Notwithstanding the noise issue, the DIO also have concerns regarding the issue of down draught.
"The application site is located within close proximity of the main approach to the helicopter landing strip, in which case the proposed dwellings would face severe down draught problems.
"The simple pleasure of having washing out to dry or garden furniture erected in the garden may prove impossible.
"It could also result in such items becoming airborne, and cause potential missiles in a severe down draught scenario, particularly at times of high winds."
Tudor Watkins from Roger Parry & Partners, agent for the applicant, had claimed the plans should be approved because of the benefits they would bring to the local community and the need for more houses in the area.
He said: "Increasing population in the village will sustain profitability of the services and help them remain viable and open."
But Ian Kilby, development manager at Shropshire Council, refused planning permission as the new houses would be within an area of open countryside, and any development there would be unsustainable in the future.
