A Burnham-On-Sea resident has this week called on the Town Council to do more to reduce noise problems from light aircraft flying low over the town’s beach.
Bev Milner Simonds told Monday’s town council meeting: “I live not far from the beach in Burnham and casting my mind back over the past few months and years, the number of leisure aircraft – whether they be light aircraft, microlights, gliders or paragliding equipment – has increased.”
“It is now well beyond nuisance level with decibel levels over 100 regularly recorded as they make frequent passes over the beach.”
“I have looked at whether there are any restrictions on such aircraft and there is an existing by-law issued by Sedgemoor that prevents flying between May and September.”
She added that the “peace and tranquility” for beach users is regularly interrupted by the swooping aircraft, which are often hard to identify.
“As my local councillors, I would like you to do something about – it’s a noise nuisance and it doesn’t add to the general enjoyment and recreation of the beach.”
Cllr Janet Keen said: “Whether it’s a light aircraft or a microlight, it should have a registration number at one end in big bold letters and if you take that down, the Civil Aviation Authority will be able to tell where it’s from and who owns it and that could be the source of making the complaint for nuisance.”
