AN AERODROME has withdrawn its appeal over plans for up to 8,000 flights in and out after feedback from neighbours.

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome have withdrawn their appeal over Maldon District Council’s decision to refuse their application to increase their number of flights 22 fold.

The aerodrome first applied for permission in October last year, being brought forward by the airfield’s board of trustees.

It would have seen the aerodrome launch up to 25 landings and take offs each day.

During weekends and bank holidays in the summer months that would have been be extended to 50, and up to 75 on categorised flying days, which would have had to be arranged two weeks in advance with the council and limited to seven per year.

Previous planning conditions limited the site to 360 movements per year, meaning the application represented a massive increase.

The application was refused at a full council meeting in July. The aerodrome launched their appeal on September 27, but less than two months later on November 13 withdrew this, citing it had taken on board feedback from the community, supporters and neighbours.

In a statement, the board of trustees said: “Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome Trust has taken the decision to withdraw its appeal to the recent refusal of its planning permission application.

“Our decision comes after careful consideration of the comments and views of our neighbours, the local community and feedback from supporters within the aviation and heritage communities.

“The trust has submitted a new application which involves fewer total air movements, as well as self-imposed limits on a daily and annual basis.

“In order for this unique heritage site to survive, it is vital for it to be able to host flying events and earn an income from aircraft, either flying in or being stored in the hangars for visitors to see.”

Ian Flint, CEO of the aerodrome, said: “As an historic aerodrome, the flying of aircraft is vital to the atmosphere and visitor experience, as well as our financial sustainability.

“The existing planning does not sufficiently allow that. The site has always been very keen to keep everyone involved in its future decision making and engage with the local communities and that will continue.”

The aerodrome was handed £4.3 million in grant funding earlier this year.

The First World War airfield, in Hackmans Lane, Purleigh, near Maldon, was established in 1916 and was granted the money from the National Lottery to restore a number of buildings on the site, which will be made into visitor attractions.

Twenty four structures survive, relatively unaltered since the aerodrome was taken on of service in 1919. Since 2015 one-by-one the buildings have started to be restored and more improvements are being made.