Tennis court and helipad at The Beeches, Much Hoole, Preston

What was proposed

The retrospective application sought a tennis court, helicopter landing area for personal and business commuting, and retention of a green mesh fence.

“Proposal Retrospective application for change of use of land to an area of hardstanding for sports use and as a helicopter landing pad for personal and business commuting use, and retention of a green mesh fence.”

Officer report

The site

The 0.06-hectare site lies beside The Beeches, within a field retaining paddocks, stables and an emergency route, in the Green Belt.

“The site is to the rear corner of a field in equestrian use with domestic stables at the front associated with the property Fern Bank. Apart from the area of hardstanding subject of this application, the remainder of the field remains in equestrian use with paddocks and stables, with part left open for an emergency route to the rear of The Beeches. The Beeches, the whole of the adjacent field, the stables, and Fern Bank are owned by the applicant.”

“The site has no ecological or biological designations and lies within Flood Zone 1 (least likely to flood). There are no Tree Preservation Orders on the application site and there are no heritage assets nearby.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier permissions covered equestrian use and a retrospective outbuilding for storing a private helicopter and commercial vehicles.

“With the planning permission above, the pastureland was granted permission for a change of use for stables and equestrian use, with a planning condition ensuring use for purposes incidental to the enjoyment of the dwellinghouse only.”

“07/2024/00629/HOH - Retrospective application for erection of outbuilding for vehicle storage (private helicopter and commercial vehicles) – Approved.”

Officer report

What people said

One representation objected over Green Belt impact, noise, wildlife and footpath safety; one supported the proposal, including parish council comments.

“There are no perceived public or community benefits from this change of use of the field. Helicopter flights will cause noise and general upset to nearby residential properties and the upsetting of wildlife and other animals in adjacent fields. The hardstanding is approximately 40m from a public footpath, and there are significant safety issues for users so close to a helicopter landing site.”

“Much Hoole Parish Council has reviewed this planning application and fully supports it. Nine neighbours to the applicant attended our recent Council meeting to express their support. Many neighbours reported no issues with the outbuilding, noting it is aesthetically pleasing and is obscured by trees. Residents confirmed that the helicopter's flight paths avoid flying directly over their homes, with departures lasting minutes and causing no disruption.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The registered speakers were one objector, a councillor and the applicant.

The committee vote

The recommendation to approve subject to conditions was proposed and seconded, then agreed unanimously.

“The officers’ recommendation to approve the application, subject to the imposition of conditions outlined within the report was proposed by Councillor Peter Gabbott and seconded by Councillor Pete Pillinger.”

Minutes