Plans to build a helipad in the grounds of a private estate alongside the M25 have been thrown out by a council.

There are already several helipads in the affluent area, but residents raised concerns over additional helicopter noise and possible crashes.

Kingswood Hall Estate had drawn up plans for helicopters to land and take off from its grounds in Margery Wood Lane, Lower Kingswood.

Helipad plans for private estate by M25 create stir 

But Reigate and Banstead Borough Council has refused to issue a certificate of lawfulness because it does not see the helipad as permitted development.

The council said the proposed helipad was outside the "curtilage" of the house, which refers to the land surrounding the property.

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Tony Taylor, CEO of company Commercial Drawing Services, said his client was deciding whether to appeal against the refusal.

Mr Taylor said: "They reckon it’s outside the curtilage but we think it’s not outside the curtilage. It’s outside where they consider it should be.

"It’s unusual for a certificate of lawfulness to be refused."

Mr Taylor has previously said that the location was "out of the way" so helicopter noise was unlikely to disturb other homeowners.

A resident, from Heath Close in Banstead, welcomed the refusal.

She said: "I'm delighted because we do get a lot of helicopters over here and they are quite noisy. I hope anything in the future is squashed as well."

Surrey County Councillor Bob Gardner had raised concerns over noise and the helipad's close proximity to the M25 and National Trust land.