Model aircraft flying site at Site At Auchenrecoch Chapleton Of Menmuir, Brechin

What was proposed

Retrospective permission was sought to use agricultural land for radio controlled model aircraft, outbuildings and ancillary works.

“REPORT BY SERVICE LEADER – PLANNING & SUSTAINABLE GROWTH 1. ABSTRACT 1.1 This report deals with planning application no. 25/00441/FULL submitted by [name withheld] (on behalf of Angus Model Flying Club (AMFC)) for the change of use from agricultural land to land used to operate radio controlled model aircraft, siting of outbuildings and ancillary works (retrospective) on a Site at Auchenreoch, Chapelton of Menmuir, Brechin.”

“The applicant seeks retrospective full planning permission for the change of use from agricultural land to land used to operate radio controlled model aircraft, siting of outbuildings and ancillary works on a Site at Auchenreoch, Chapelton of Menmuir, Brechin. A plan illustrating the location of the site is provided at Appendix 1.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

The application had no relevant planning history, and model aircraft activity had operated at the site from August 2024 to June 2025.

“AMFC has around 36 members, the majority of whom are based in Angus, and were operating radio controlled model aircraft at the site from August 2024 to June 2025 when all activity at the site ceased. The outbuildings remain sited along the south eastern boundary of the site. The site measures around 2923sqm and was formerly agricultural land.”

“Most of the radio controlled model aircraft which have petrol powered engines have a capacity of between 20cc to 100cc with the largest having a capacity of up to 200cc. The typical operating heights for the radio controlled model aircraft varies dependent upon the precise type of radio controlled model aircraft but are between around 6m – 300m. The typical time for the operation of a radio controlled model aircraft is around 10 minutes.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the proposal suitable for the countryside, supporting sport, tourism and rural activity without unacceptable impacts, subject to conditions.

“The council’s environmental health service has reviewed the Noise Impact Assessment and has confirmed no objection subject to conditions which would be required to avoid unacceptable impacts upon the amenity of occupiers of nearby residential properties.”

Officer report

Consultees and local views

Environmental Health, Roads, the Health and Safety Executive and other consultees raised no objection subject to conditions, while the community council objected.

“CONSULTATIONS 6.1 Angus Council – Environmental Health – no objection subject to conditions which would restrict the number and type of radio controlled model aircraft which could be operated between the hours of 09:00 – 18:00 Monday to Sunday, with the exception of glider planes (non powered model aircraft) where any number could be operated between the hours of 09:00 – 19:30 Monday to Sunday; which would restrict noise levels generated by the operation of radio…”

“Health and Safety Executive – has confirmed that they do not advise, on safety grounds, against the granting of planning permission.”

Officer report

What residents said

Six parties objected over noise, traffic, land, biodiversity, safety and other matters, while supporters cited the club’s benefits, management and rural location.

“Unacceptable impacts on residential amenity (noise and traffic movement). • Unacceptable loss of agricultural land. • Unacceptable impacts on biodiversity, habitat and species. • Unacceptable impacts on road traffic in the area. • Unacceptable impacts on the landscape due to the siting of the outbuildings. • Unacceptable impacts on pedestrian safety due to close proximity with overhead lines and National Gas Transmission’s high pressure gas pipeline.”

“AMFC is well managed, being affiliated to the British Model Flying Association, and is respectful of its surrounding environment. • AMFC provides a safe and welcoming environment for people of all ages. • AMFC encourages training and development to improve skills and education (aviation education integrates STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics)). • AMFC benefits the local community including businesses.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

The Convener read an objector’s statement, and the club chairman addressed members and answered questions about the club and its activities.

What members discussed

Members questioned officers about water safety, overnight parking, toilets, restoration, wildlife, noise, flights, membership and experience days.

“Slides were shown, following which officers responded to members’ questions in relation to the water safety plan, overnight parking on the site, toilet facilities and the possibility of the ground being restored to its former condition should the club no longer require the land.”

“Thereafter, [name withheld], Chairman of the Angus Model Flying Club, addressed the meeting and responded to members’ questions in relation to membership of the Club, the number of flights, the impact on wildlife particularly geese flying over the site, noise impact, and number of experience days held.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The Committee approved the application for the stated reason and conditions, amended the biodiversity condition and added requirements for removal and restoration after cessation.

“Following comments from a number of members, and having had regard to all submissions, the Committee agreed that the application be approved for the reason and subject to the conditions detailed in Section 10 of the Report. The Committee also agreed to amend condition 6 and to approve an additional condition as follows: -”

“Condition 7 (new) The planning authority shall be notified in writing within 1 month of the date of the use hereby approved ceasing at the site. Within one month from the cessation date, all the outbuildings and any other structures hereby approved shall be removed from the site in perpetuity, and the land shall be restored to its former condition to the satisfaction of the planning authority.”

Minutes