Homes close to Cookham Dene manor house (Image: SWNS)
The application proposes a “subterranean helicopter storage lift” on the grounds of Cookham Dene, a 19th-century house in Chislehurst.
According to planning documents, the resident needs “to regularly access and make use of a private aircraft at their property”.
The online papers add: “Currently helicopters landed in this location have to remain in situ or [be] moved off-site due to the grounds being open to the elements and posing a security risk, which increases potential for damage to the Applicant’s property.”
Neighbours are divided over the proposal, with some objecting due to noise, invasion of privacy and proximity to Biggin Hill airport.
However, others have no issue with the plans, dubbing them “cool” and likening the applicant to “Batman”. The lift would be constructed of concrete and set eight metres underground with a grass-covered lid on top, as per the documents on the Bromley Council website.
Entrance to Cookham Dene manor house (Image: SWNS)
One objector commented online: “It’s outrageous to even consider allowing facilitating the use of a helicopter in a residential area where people want and need quiet.
“Biggin Hill is 10 minutes away and this person will not be so inconvenienced that they can’t make the drive.
“On top of that our privacy is violated with these aircrafts flying so close our residences. Completely opposed to this permission.”
Another resident voiced concerns about the disturbance from a helicopter previously owned by the manor house’s occupier between 2002 and 2022, heavily criticising the “horrific” noise levels it generated. They said: “I can attest to the terrible noise, the smell of aviation fuel, the fact that our house doors and windows rattled.
“My infant son was terrified whenever it arrived or took off, our enjoyment of our garden was spoilt and I cannot agree that a built up area is the place to regularly use a helicopter.”
The planning documents elaborate on the project details, noting: “The proposed subterranean lift will be located in the southern portion of the Site, approximately 75 metres southeast of Cookham Dene.”
The developers assert that “The subterranean lift has been sensitively designed to provide a modest floorspace commensurate with the need to provide covered secure storage for a helicopter, whilst ensuring the development preserves the openness of the Green Belt in addition to respecting the Chislehurst Conservation Area and Cookham Dene.”
Divisions among local residents of the south-east London suburb were evident when they voiced their opinions at their homes on Wednesday.
Sue McNamara, aged 74, whose property adjoins the proposed site of the helicopter lift, expressed her grave concerns about the environmental consequences of pollution stemming from this development.
She said: “Environmentally it is very concerning. I would be very opposed to it because I am very local. It backs onto my property.
Entrance to Cookham Dene manor house (Image: SWNS)
“I am always against people owning helicopters. It is immoral and totally wrong.
“It is environmentally unstable and a total nuisance.”
Another resident, preferring to stay unnamed, admitted her lack of knowledge about the full extent of the plans but shared her potential unease at the idea of frequent helicopter activity: “I am very concerned. It could be really disruptive if it is constant.”
She recalled the previous owner’s infrequent use: “The old owner had a helicopter but it would only take off about once a fortnight.”
The long-term inhabitant stressed the need for community awareness: “The residents should all be notified of this. We didn’t know about the plans.
Local resident Lawrence Kemp. (Image: SWNS)
“I am worried about the safety of it. If they misjudge it then they could crash into our house.”
However, Lawrence Kemp, 56, who has lived next door for 22 years, shared a different perspective, one filled with fond memories: “The previous owners had a helicopter and my kids loved it. They used to run out to watch it take off. If anything people enjoy looking at it.
“It never really was a problem. It is not like he is turning it into an airport. It is going to be underground so it wont be sat there all the time. I have no objections.
“They have so much land that it is basically like taking off from the middle of the woods. The rumour was that the land would be turned into eight houses, and this is much better than that.
“If anything an underground helicopter park is quite cool.”
Another resident, who preferred to stay anonymous, threw their support behind the novel project and took a swipe at disgruntled neighbours.
A local builder residing in a nearby apartment chimed in: “It is only a little helicopter. It is a cool Thunderbirds-style contraption.
“At the end of the day if you live somewhere like this then you expect people to want these things. It is the same as people getting on a plane and getting annoyed at babies crying.
“If he was landing it in my garden then I wouldn’t be happy but that land is massive.”
“I think that the people objecting are out of order. This guy is like Batman.”
At the property in question yesterday (Weds), responses were limited; a man answered a video doorbell but declined to comment.
Bromley Council will make a decision on the matter at a later date.
