Anger at ‘constant’ noise of helicopters
People said they were “driven mad” by the constant noise of helicopters giving pleasure rides over Bath.
The aircraft taking off from Bath Racecourse and over the bank holiday weekend were reported to be “constant” and “so annoying”.
Some people were left wondering if there was an active Avon and Somerset Police or military operation due to the level of traffic in the sky.
Residents of nearby Weston village said the noise had ruined their long weekend.
Weston local Nancy Connolly said: “I am working from home and the noise was really loud all day, hovering above the house even with the windows closed.
“It was constant and also worrying as thought perhaps something was going on.
“It was driving everyone mad.” Kelston resident Rachel Guest said they were “invasive”.
She said: “I live in Kelston and they are now going over daily approximately every 20 minutes.
Trips over Bristol and Bath.
“They are causing noise position, let alone environmental pollution.
“Bath is a pioneering green zone city and is now being polluted in this way.”
Bath and North East Somerset Council said they had received a number of complaints but did not have the legal power to take action.
Cllr Dine Romero, the council’s cabinet member for children and young people, communities and culture, said: “We have received a number of complaints about helicopters flying over the city over the bank holiday weekend which we understand are pleasure flights taking off from Bath Racecourse.”
“As aircraft noise is not currently a statutory nuisance in the UK and is not covered by the Environmental Protection Act 1990 or Noise Act 1996, the council does not have the legal power to take action and planning permission is not required.”
The council has strongly voiced its concerns to Bath Racecourse, highlighting the number of complaints received, and will be seeking assurances that these flights will not become a regular occurrence.
“They are not in keeping with a city with World Heritage status and unnecessary aircraft activity hinders our efforts to reduce pollution and tackle the climate emergency.”
It is believed that there are five more days of flights booked between now and Christmas.
The council said complaints had to be directed to the Civil Aviation Authority via its website.
Bath Racecourse, the Civil Aviation Authority, and several providers of helicopter flights in the Bath area have been approached for comment.