A homeowner in the affluent South East London suburb of Chislehurst has sparked a neighbourhood row by applying to build an underground storage lift for a helicopter. The proposal, submitted to Bromley Council, seeks permission for a 'subterranean helicopter storage lift' on the grounds of Cookham Dene, a 19th-century house on Cookham Dene Close.
According to planning documents, the resident requires 'to regularly access and make use of a private aircraft' and the lift would provide secure storage while protecting the helicopter from the elements. The concrete structure would be set eight metres underground with a grass-covered lid, located in the southern part of the site, about 75 metres from the house. The applicant argues the development would respect the Green Belt and Chislehurst Conservation Area.
However, many neighbours are objecting, citing noise, invasion of privacy, and safety concerns. One local wrote: 'It's outrageous to even consider allowing facilitating the use of a helicopter in a residential area where people want and need quiet.' Another described the previous owner's helicopter use as 'horrific', with rattling windows and a terrified infant son. Sue McNamera, 74, who lives next to the site, called the plan 'immoral' and 'environmentally unstable'.
Not all residents are opposed. Lawrence Kemp, 56, whose children enjoyed watching the previous owner's helicopter take off, said: 'It never really was a problem. It is going to be underground so it won't be sat there all the time. I have no objections.' Another neighbour compared the applicant to 'Batman' and called the plans 'cool'. The proposal has drawn comparisons to 'Thunderbirds' due to the lift mechanism.
Concerns also include proximity to Biggin Hill airport and potential privacy violations from low-flying aircraft. One unnamed resident worried about safety: 'If they misjudge it then they could crash into our house.' The previous owner also kept a helicopter on the property, which reportedly took off about once a fortnight. Bromley Council is currently considering the application.
