A COUNCILLOR has called for no more ‘low helicopter flights’ over his town after a factory is seeking planning permission to allow increased flights.

Independent Penrith Town Council member Jeff Thomson opposes the application submitted by Leo Group, which operates the Omega Proteins factory in the town, because of his concerns about noise pollution.

He said the flight in and out are low over residential areas, and added: “We already have helicopter flights and other environmental nuisances from this company.

“We don’t want more acoustic pollution and CO2 emissions above our homes just because the company bosses want to make their lives easier.”

A formal objection and request to speak by the councillor means the application will be heard by a planning committee on Westmorland and Furness Council.

“Again, there has been no public consultation either by the applicant or the council.

“So, it’s up to me, as an independent ward town councillor, to ensure objections are heard and there is a discussion before a councillor’s vote,” he said.

He said he will present his objections to the planning authority when it meets to make the final decision.

A spokesperson from Leo Group said: “The Leo Group, one of the UK’s leading animal by-product processors, has put forward the application to the local planning authority to amend current permissions.  

“Leo Group does not have any input in who is consulted about a planning application, and we await an outcome following our application submission.”

No date has been given by the planning authority for the application, reference 23/0541, hearing.