A number of residents who live near a heliport, which operates flights from Penzance to the Isles of Scilly, have spoken of their fears that changes to the helicopter base’s conditions will mean increases in noise and the possible addition of Sunday flights.

Penzance Heliport, based at Jelbert Way, Eastern Green, has applied to Cornwall Council’s planning department to alter a number of conditions which were put in place when approval was granted for the terminal building and its associated works in August 2018. Built in March 2020, Penzance Heliport revived the lost helicopter service between mainland Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Planning consultants CarneySweeney have been instructed by applicant Tresco Island Ltd – which is owned by the Dorrien-Smith family and operates the service – to alter some of the conditions.

The application states: “Following implementation of the development and several years of operation, the planning conditions have been reviewed and are now proposed for amendment to better reflect the current use and to provide greater operational flexibility.”

A current condition restricts the noise profile of helicopters associated with the passenger service flights to the Isles of Scilly to no more than three decibels above the Effective Perceived Noise Level (EPNL) of the AW 139 helicopter which operates from the site. Some of those in opposition say the decibel level has been recorded as over 80Db.

The heliport now wants to amend the noise level of helicopters from “no more than 3Db” above the permitted level to an increased range of up to 5Db “to allow greater flexibility to ensure the ongoing operation of the heliport in line with its licence.

Due to the difficulty in sourcing aircraft within this decibel range, it is crucial that the operation is enabled to utilise the full range of helicopters covered by its licence to ensure the ongoing viability of the business.”

The heliport operator also wants to loosen a restriction on engine testing, previously set before 8am and after 6.45pm on Monday to Saturday.

They now want to allow testing to begin before and after flight departures and arrivals, allowing 8am flights to depart on time, meaning testing could now take place between 7.30am and 7.15pm. They also want to expand the licence to take in other forms of smaller aircraft operating under a Category 2 licence.

Perhaps the regulation change request which has most concerned those who have written in opposition is to alter ‘no helicopter movements’ before 1pm and after 4pm on a Sunday to ‘no commercial passenger helicopter movements’ before 10am and after 2pm, apart from where a Category 2 smaller aircraft with reduced passenger capacity is temporarily operating.

A growing number of people have written to the council in opposition to the mooted changes, which were submitted on July 24.

Among the comments are: “I object strongly to this proposal. The added noise pollution, traffic and stress on infrastructure are too high a price for the local community to pay, for little tangible benefit in return.”

“Already too much noise and increased traffic since the heliport was built. As someone who is daily subject to the noise and disturbance of the existing operations, I object to the lifting of their numerous planning restrictions including longer hours of operation and an increase in noise levels. Enough is enough.”

“This new application would be very detrimental to local communities, local businesses and the environment by seeking to:

1. deploy louder helicopters. Existing arrangements already make talking in the local businesses impossible,

2. deploy more helicopters for more flights. Surely the many flights already flying are enough to satisfy the transport needs of the islands?

3. extend flying hours – this would extend disruption for local communities and increase damage to the environment,

4. timetable extra flights on Sundays, the traditional day of rest,

5. increase flexibility of types of flights, not just transportation to the islands. These would not be monitored and could include scenic pleasure flights which would cause a lot of disruption to many coastal communities.

6. As there would no control as to the types of flights, there is potential for huge uncontrolled disruption that cannot yet be foreseen.”

“The decibel readings for the airport are already over 85db, the helicopter can be heard long before it comes into view, the increase in traffic will also put pressure on the creaking infrastructure. With the large increase in house building within a two-mile radius of the heliport, the population can well do without an increase in noise and traffic.”

“Sundays is our only respite from this invasive noise and if they are allowed to test engines or even fly on Sundays our only day of any peace will be taken away.”

“As a local resident affected by the helicopters I object to these changes. Increasing the hours of engine operation, level of Sunday use and decibel level of allowed aircraft would have a massive impact on local residents. I work from home and already the helicopters noise can interrupt my work.”

A spokesperson for the heliport said: “I am afraid we will not be able to comment at the moment while the planning process takes place.” They added they would be happy to speak when a decision is made.

The application has been discussed on an Isles of Scilly Facebook page with a range of views both for and against, with one person commenting: “Sunday flying has ALWAYS been allowed, in certain cases and situations. They’ve simply asked to change the times allowed, not more hours, but different hours, and include technical issues as part of those reasons which previously only included weather. Sunday flying would still only be on rare occasions of absolute necessity to clear people from or to the islands.”

Another resident added: “Fantastic news we need better resilience in our transport links for residents and visitors to Scilly.”

For more details see planning application PA25/04955 on the council website at https://planning.cornwall.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=SYPPMXFGHNM00