BIH seeks planning permission in St Erth

British International Helicopters has revealed it is applying for planning permission for a new heliport at St Erth in west Cornwall.

The firm wants to build on land next to the new £10m transport hub close to the village's railway station.

BIH has agreed to sell Penzance Heliport to Sainsbury's who will redevelop the site subject to planning consent to build a new store.

A planning application will be submitted in the coming months.

The helicopter service is used by tourists visiting the Isles of Scilly and island residents requiring year-round transport to and from the mainland.

Tony Jones, Managing Director of BIH, said: "We have been operating the helicopter service to the Isles of Scilly since 1964 and we are committed to doing all we can to continue running this service in the future.

"Following our announcement to relocate to a new site, we have been actively looking for somewhere suitable within West Cornwall to retain this vital link with the Isles of Scilly."

A public exhibition showing the company's plans, will be held in St Erth on 7th and 8th September.