THE founder of the Oswestry and District Radio Controlled Flying Club has backed it’s application to use a Maesbury field for flying model aircraft throughout the year despite claims of objections from ‘traumatised’ residents.


Mervyn Davies, who has been flying model aircraft in the field for seven years, having previously been granted permission to do so, is re-submitting an application so that he and other members can continue their hobby about which Shropshire Council has never received any complaints.
 

However, Maesbury parish councillor Peter Richardson claims he has received a number of calls objecting to the application despite being the only person to have lodged an official objection so far.
 

Mr Davies argued that his club meet all of the conditions set by the British Model Flying Association and told the Advertizer: “We have a noise detector which allows us to ensure we stay within the standard 84 decibels and we are not within 200 metres of anyone’s home.


“Shropshire Council has not received any complaints since we were founded as a club seven years ago.
“We have received a letter from British Nature to say our flying won’t affect the habitats of badgers or bats in the area.
“We need to increase the number of days we can fly on to help the club grow. It is a positive thing for youngsters,” he added.
 

The club is currently allowed to fly on just 28 days each year but Cllr Richardson said: “The club has never filled those 28 days and as such I find the application bizarre and perverse.
“None of its members live in Maesbury. The oldest resident is traumatised by the thought this application could be accepted,” the councillor added.


After appealing successfully against a previous decision to deny the club a right to fly on the field, Mr Davies has promised to continue to abide by any conditions.
 

Shropshire Council’s public protection officer has said: “Due to the fact that no complaints have been received by Shropshire Council in relation to model aircraft flying at this location I have no objections to this application as long as the appeal decision conditions found on the appeal form attached to the application stand in their entirety.”
The council’s Rights of Way Officer has also said a nearby footpath would not be adversely affected.