Helicopters

9.74 The use of helicopters is becoming increasingly common, particularly in business, but also within the emergency services. The impact of the helicopter in terms of noise and intrusion both visually and in terms of privacy can be severe, and it is therefore important that these are mitigated by strong planning policies. The use of this mode of transport is not being actively encouraged as it is intrusive and unsustainable. However, it is accepted that there may be an economic case for their use in some circumstances where entrepreneurial spirit can assist in the development of the economy of Calderdale, or where the provision of facilities for the emergency services may be considered to outweigh environmental concerns. As a result it is important that where an application for landing facilities is submitted to the Council, the UDP provides some guidance. Within the context of Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas, or Sites of Special Scientific Interest or nature conservation value, the effects of helicopter landing facilities will need to be weighed carefully to ensure that development preserves or enhances the environment. The following Policy will therefore apply:-

Policy T 26

Helicopter Landing Facilities

Proposals for helicopter landing facilities will only be permitted where they comply with the following criteria:-
  1. it can be demonstrated that there is an economic or operational need for the facility, which could be considered to outweigh the environmental disbenefits associated with the development;
  2. the development creates no unacceptable environmental, amenity, safety or other problems;
  3. satisfactory arrangements can be made regarding ground traffic and servicing arrangements;
  4. the development preserves or enhances Conservation Areas and does not adversely affect Listed Buildings, Historic Parks, or Scheduled Ancient Monuments or their settings, where these are material considerations;
  5. the development does not cause harm to a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Site of Ecological or Geological Interest, or an area of recognised nature conservation value; and
  6. the development complies with the requirements of other relevant UDP policies.

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