IT was second time lucky with Waverley planers for the new owner of a multi-million property in Brook, keen to fly his private plane from his home.

Businessman and hotelier Martin Shaw, whose directorships include Old Thorns Golf Hotel and Estate at Liphook, bought Rockwood House last year.

An earlier application for permission to demolish the existing aircraft hangar at the private landing strip on site, and build a larger one to house a Pilatus PC-12 NG, single-engine turboprop plane, was refused by Waverley in August.

The plan was rejected because the replacement hangar would be “materially larger” and harm the openness of the green belt in the Surrey Hills area of outstanding natural beauty.

Revised plans subsequently submitted for a smaller replacement hangar with a grass roof and oak cladding, were agreed by members of Waverley’s central area planning committee, on December 2.

They backed their officer’s recommendation the application should be approved because the scale was “justifiable” and looked better in the landscape.

One objection to the previous application was that, as there had not been any flying activity or use of the hangar for at least 30 years, technically the use had been “abandoned”, and a fresh application for a new or continued use should be submitted, because the current use was agricultural.

Committee members were informed landowners are legally entitled to fly to, and from, their properties up to 28 days a year and any issues to do with flying did not form part of the revised application for a replacement hangar.

Speaking out in the public slot, however, near neighbour Paul Unwin, said: “ This is less about size and more about the knock-on effect of a substantial jet prop aircraft in the Surrey Hills.

“Surrey County Council seem to have dismissed any safety concerns but flying only 20ft above a public footpath must be safety concern.

“This is not a small plane, it seats nine passengers and crew. If the hangar was used for a small leisure aircraft there would be few objections.

“Waverley’s report clearly states this should not be for business use.”

Supporting the application, Planit Consulting representative Janet Long said the scaled-down replacement hangar was now the minimum dimensions required to house the aircraft.

Responding to safety objections, she said it would be refuelled off site.

Committee members overwhelmingly approved the application with eight votes in favour and two abstentions.

Witley councillor Nick Holder said: “I live a quarter of a mile from the applicant and could be considered a local. I also walk along the footpath.

“The existing hangar is a dilapidated tin shack and I believe its removal is beneficial and its replacement would enhance the landscape.

“This is situated close to army training areas and residents are constantly plagued by Chinooks and light aircraft about 20 times a day. The use will be restricted to no more than 28 days, which is an insignificant increase in present use of skies above our heads.

“But it must be for private use.”

Godalming councillor Tom Martin told the committee: “ Essentially aircraft movements are not up for debate.

“If it was making a small garage for a car a bit bigger, it wouldn’t be a problem.

“I don’t have privilege of going to work in an aircraft for 28 days of the year. Some do and good luck to them.”