Growing Links CIC - PZ Heliport objection

Mrs Lynne Dyer

Comment submitted date: Thu 04 Sep 2025

Objection to Penzance Heliport Planning Proposal

I am writing as Manager of Growing Links CIC, a community interest company based in Penzance which supports some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Our client group includes people living with poor mental health, those with complex PTSD, learning difficulties, physical disabilities, elderly, those in recovery from homelessness and drug and alcohol addiction, and survivors of domestic abuse. Many of these individuals fall within groups recognised as having protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, and it is my duty to highlight how this proposal could adversely affect their health and wellbeing.

We have already witnessed the impact of helicopter flights on our service users:

Increased noise and anxiety: Several of our clients experience heightened anxiety and distress as a direct result of aircraft noise coming in to land, we are in the field next door. Sudden or frequent flights can trigger trauma responses, panic attacks, and a general deterioration in mental health.

Vulnerability to environmental stress: The people we support often live with complex needs. For them, disruption caused by aircraft movements is not a minor inconvenience but a significant factor that undermines their ability to cope and recover.

Cumulative impact of additional flights: Any increase in the number or frequency of flights, or the introduction of noisier aircraft, will intensify these harmful effects.

Sunday operating hours: Extending flights into Sundays would remove one of the few quieter days our clients currently rely on to find respite and balance. For individuals working hard to maintain stability in their recovery, this is especially concerning.

As a community organisation working daily with these vulnerable groups, I am deeply concerned that the heliport proposal risks causing disproportionate harm to people with protected characteristics. Planning decisions must take into account the Public Sector Equality Duty, which requires public bodies to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination and advance equality of opportunity for disadvantaged groups.

I therefore strongly object to this proposal on the grounds that:

It will have a negative impact on mental health and wellbeing for vulnerable adults with complex needs.

It disproportionately affects groups with protected characteristics, contrary to the principles of equality and fairness.

Increased flights, noisier aircraft, and extended operating hours (particularly Sundays) will exacerbate existing challenges faced by those in recovery and undermine community support efforts.

I urge the planning authority to give full consideration to the impact on the mental health and quality of life of vulnerable adults with prescribed protected characteristics who view The Community Garden as a life line in their recovery, and to reject this proposal to protect them.