Fears heliport will be noisier if changes approved

Penzance Helicopters uses a heliport in the Cornish town for trips to the Scilly Isles

A helicopter travel company has caused controversy among locals by seeking changes to conditions imposed on its heliport in 2018.

Penzance Helicopters runs a service from the Cornwall town to the Isles of Scilly.

Some residents and councillors fear the proposed amendments to the heliport's planning permission conditions would result in longer operating hours, use of noisier aircraft and more Sunday flights.

Penzance Helicopters denied these claims, saying that some of the 46 restrictions put in place in 2018 were simply no longer fit for purpose.

The company has applied to Cornwall Council for a change in Sunday opening hours, an extension to the morning and evening window by half an hour for engine testing, and to broaden the range of helicopters permitted to fly.

A spokesperson said it was not true that the changes would result in more flights and more noise.

The company added that the service "is a lifeline for islanders, businesses, and visitors, and it also provides vital assistance to air ambulance and coastguard helicopter teams".

Ludgvan Parish Council has recommended that Cornwall Council reject the changes.

Chairman Rod Porter said: "One concern we have is that they'll be reverting back to older, noisier helicopters and local residents are very against that."

The heliport operators refute this allegation, saying the change will only "broaden the range of helicopters... within a suitable noise profile".

Rod Porter is arguing for a public consultation over the changes

Mr Porter responded: "Let's just get all the cards on the table rather than all the smoke and mirrors, let's have a public consultation so Cornwall Council can make a judgement based on the facts."

Dick Cliffe, a member of the Penzance Town Deal board, supports the changes to planning conditions, having supported the application seven years ago.

He said: "The original application went to judicial review and when it was granted there were 18 pages of conditions so I'm not surprised they want to see some of them relaxed."

However, he added: "I can understand why local people would be concerned that this might be the start of a slippery slope to a much busier and noisier service."