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Son of British inventor Sir James Dyson withdraws planning request for helipad following opposition from neighbours

Pictured: designer and engineer Jake Dyson, the son of Sir James Dyson - Clara Molden
Pictured: designer and engineer Jake Dyson, the son of Sir James Dyson - Clara Molden

The son of the British inventor Sir James Dyson has pulled proposals to build a helipad on his 17th century estate after complaints it would affect local church services.

Jake Dyson, the heir to the multi-billion pound Dyson company, had hoped to build the landing pad as part of proposals to renovate the Grade II listed property which he intends to make his family home.

Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, the estate is set within hundreds of acres of countryside. It comprises the main house, a monastic barn conversion, a series of outbuildings and a cricket field.

Mr Dyson, who founded his own independent company Jake Dyson Lights before returning to his father’s business last year, acquired the property in 2015.

The proposals were withdrawn following opposition from the local parish council and Historic England, which expressed concern over the “potential noise impact” upon a “peaceful setting”.

Documents submitted to Bath and North East Somerset Council requested that the pad be constructed in a field near the house. 

Submitted by agents PlanningSphere Ltd on Mr Dyson’s behalf, the documents state that the proposals would “enhance safety during take-off and landing”.

They added that “under the previous ownership, and continuing under the current ownership, helicopters have periodically been used to access the site”.

Four locations for the helipad were proposed, with option A, the land east to the main house and adjacent to the drive, being submitted as the preferred location.

However, it is understood that neighbours of Mr Dyson objected to the proposals due concerns that the landing strip would be too close to the village and church.

Christopher Clemence, chairman of the local Parish Council, said that locals had been concerned about the potential disruption caused by incoming aircraft.

He added: “There is concern about the helipad in the village and the church are concerned about the noise.”

Dyson by numbers
Dyson by numbers

Clerk of the council, Geoffrey Parkes, added: “There has been a lot of concern in the community. There was a lot of objection from people in the village before the application was withdrawn.”

Meanwhile, Historic England said its concern "lies with the potential for noise impact upon the peaceful setting of the church and the disruption of church services and other functions”.

It advised that other locations for the helipad be considered instead.

Mr Dyson has now withdrawn the application, and is believed to be assessing whether it can be built elsewhere.

A spokesman said: “We place a very high value on the relationship that we have with our neighbours, we have listened to their concerns and responded by withdrawing the planning application.

"We are re-evaluating the location to minimise any disturbance that we may cause.”