A CO Clare farmer and businessman was yesterday refused planning permission for the fifth time in over two years to construct a helicopter landing pad on his farm.
Yesterday, Clare County Council refused planning permission to Peter Stritch of Bellisle Farm, Clonlara to construct the helipad.
In its decision, the council stated that the proposed helipad would seriously injure the amenities and depreciate the value of residential properties in the vicinity.
The council said the flight paths of the helicopters would generate noise and cause general disturbance to local residents.
In expressing its concerns to the council over the plan, An Taisce asked: "How many times will applications be refused before the applicant will cease trying? The sound pollution of this development is not suited to the area."
Mr Stritch was first refused planning permission for the helipad in October 2006 and was refused twice in 2007 and again in May of last year.
A letter on behalf of Mr Stritch to the council said the helipad was not intended for commercial use and was solely for the use by Mr Stritch and his family for business and recreation.
It said the helicopter would be used once a week and the site would be hidden from public view. The letter said the helipad would not have a significant impact on houses in the locality.
The plan faced strong opposition from locals. Joe and Gerardine Quinlivan stated that the flying of helicopters in and out of Mr Stritch's land in the past had made their lives and that of their family "a living hell".
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