Diggle pilot’s lift-off hope

HELICOPTER pilot Chris Ruddy.

HELICOPTER pilot captain Chris Ruddy could be allowed to use his main take off and landing pad for his daily operations at his Diggle farm after a Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday.

He has been using his top pad at his home at Oakdene Farm, Diggle, after a complex series of planning applications, appeals and permissions going back over several years.

But on Wednesday he will be asking councillors to agree to him using the main pad for day-to-day operations, which will move the noise of take off and landing at the top pad away from his neighbours at Dean Head Farm.

Planning officers recommend approval, but want to attach strict conditions.

The top helipad would be only be able to be used in addition to the main pad for 28 days a year.

The conditions would also restrict helicopter operations to between 8am to 8pm, except in emergencies.

Logs of take offs and landings, registration numbers and times of every helicopter must must be kept.

Only one helicopter, under the control of Pennine Helicopters, based at Oakdene Farm, is permitted.

An access track between the two pads is allowed but if the business ceases, the two helipads and associated paths and developments have to be removed and the land returned to Green Belt.