A MICROLIGHT centre's plans to relocate to Barthomley are being opposed because of safety concerns.

The Cheshire Microlight Centre, which has operated for nearly 30 years at Arclid, has applied to Cheshire East Council for planning permission to relocate to Walnut Tree Farm at Barthomley.

But planning officers are recommending councillors refuse the application for a number of reasons, including concerns over a major hazard pipeline crossing the site.

Barthomley Parish Council and a local action group have also opposed the proposal, as have 46 households who have sent letters of objection.

The council has received 45 letters in support of the application.

The proposal involves the creation of a grassed landing strip and the extension of an existing barn to store microlights.

Among the objections from residents are claims that microlights fly low and are intrusive in terms of noise and privacy; the development and any lighting will be an eyesore; it would be intrusive to local residents and businesses, it would disrupt local wildlife and cause distress to horses nearby.

Supporters argue that as part of the application for the Arclid site in 1993 an environmental health officer at the former the Congleton Borough Council accepted there would be no harm in terms of noise.

They say for three decades the Arclid site has operated near to residential properties, livestock and equestrian activity and that, across the country, there are many airstrips which coexist harmoniously with rural dwellers and livestock.

In a report due to go before Wednesday's (October 27) meeting of the southern planning committee, the planning officer states: "The application does not preserve the openness of the Green Belt and on this basis the development represents inappropriate development in the Green Belt.

"No very special circumstances have been identified and planning permission should not be granted."

The officer states insufficient information has been provided to adequately assess the noise impact of the proposed development upon residential amenity and a nearby riding school.

Other reasons the officer has recommended the application for refusal include the proposed building would be sited on the route of a public right of way and no details have been provided to demonstrate how this could be diverted and a major hazard pipeline crosses the site, there is a risk of harm to people at the proposed development site and there are sufficient reasons on safety grounds, for advising against the granting of planning permission in this case'.

The council's southern planning committee will meet to decide the application next Wednesday (October 27) at Crewe Municipal Buildings.