A businessman has been told to cease operating light planes on land in the Lake District.

An enforcement notice issued by the Lake District National Park Authority to cease using a location on land north of the A66 in Troutbeck as a “aerodrome” for light aircraft, such as gyroplanes and gyrocopters, has been upheld by the Planning Inspectorate.

Roger Savage of Lake District Gyroplanes is required by an enforcement notice from the LDNPA to stop using the property and building as an airfield for light aircraft landings and takeoffs, as well as any related operations.

It further stipulates that all light aircraft, wind socks, picnic tables, and other objects connected to the landing and takeoff of light aircraft must be removed from the ground.

According to records from the Planning Inspectorate, the appellant stated that although the aerodrome use started in 2009, it was somewhat quiet at the time.

It continued, saying that the majority of the appellant’s aircraft operations might have involved “touch and go” training for gyroscopes operated out of the adjacent Berrier airport.

“However, the appellant started to use the appeal site as a satellite for practice takeoffs and landings, low flying exercises and engine failure because activities at Berrier had a greater impact on local residents.”

The government inspector stated that the use was brought to the attention of the LDNPA through a complaint that, when combined with the flight records, showed a marked rise in aeronautical activity at the appeal site starting in 2019.

The LDNPA turned down Mr. Savage’s request in 2021 for a certificate of lawfulness pertaining to the property’s use as an airport and for agricultural purposes.

Later, the Planning Inspectorate rejected an appeal.

The inspector stated that the appellant had failed to demonstrate that, on the balance of probabilities, the site had been used for a mixed use that included both agricultural and airfield usage for the landing and takeoff of light aircraft for ten years prior to the notice’s issuance.

According to planning law, a change of use is permitted if the property has been used for the same purpose for ten years or longer.

“I conclude that it was not too late for the national park authority to take enforcement action when they did,” the inspector said in his conclusion.

Mr. Savage has also appealed a notice of enforcement over the use of land adjacent to Croft House in Berrier as a commercial airfield to the Planning Inspectorate; however, no deadline for a judgement has been established as of yet.

We’ve reached out to the appellant for feedback.