A DECISION on whether to grant permission for 8,000 flights at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome has been delayed.

The owners of the historic First World War airfield submitted an application to increase the current number by more than 20 times, but the final decision was deferred to a full council meeting on Thursday, June 29.

Trustees at the aerodrome, in Hackmans Lane, Purleigh, want permission for 25 landings and take offs at the site in the winter months, and the same on weekdays in the summer months.

During weekends and bank holidays it would be extended to 50, and up to 75 on categorised flying days.

Current planning conditions limit the site to 360 flight movements per year, however the new plans would see that increased to 8,000.

The extension of flights would allow more money to be invested into expanding the tourist and visitor facilities on the site.

The proposal has been recommend for approval by planning officers at Maldon District Council and was due to be decided at last week’s planning meeting.

Some residents were opposed raising concerns about the increased level of noise as well as the safety risks of aircraft.

One said: “We reside in the nearest residential property to the airfield. We were indoors at home when the air display at the recent Wings and Wheels event commenced, with several planes flying around.

“The noise was so loud it drowned out conversations as the planes were so low overhead. In the normal course of take-off and landings the noise is loud but during displays the noise increases in volume so much it sounds like a plane is about to crash into the house.”

Chief Executive of Stow Maries, Ian Flint, said: “While we are disappointed not to get the intended decision on Monday, we are happy to be working with Maldon District Council to make the application succeed.”