Chiswick Helipad Scheme Looks Set to Proceed

Terminal on Turnham Green would handle 20 flights a day

Controversial plans to develop a heliport on Turnham Green look set to proceed according to the company behind the scheme. The plan which would see a helipad capable of landing an aircraft of over 10 tonnes, a terminal building which would include a franchised coffee shop and hangar facilities for over 20 helicopters.

Avril Amadon, press officer for 'Choppers on the Block' the urban heliport operator, said they were confident of receiving planning approval as they had promised to fund more Controlled Parking Zones for the Council. Traffic in the heliport would be strictly limited to 20 flights a day between 8am and 10pm.

The company said they had absolutely no plans to build more than one terminal and landing site. They believe that demand will be high from senior city executives, local councillors and celebrities who live in Chiswick. It has been suggested that Ant and Dec may be interested in using the facility as it will allow them to get back to Chiswick for closing time after filming 'Saturday Night Takeaway.' A shuttle service is likely to run on an hourly basis between Chiswick and Battersea.

One local estate agent is believed to be considering buying a job lot of surplus US army helicopters and painting them with their distinctive livery. These will then be used to show prospective buyers houses and flats from the air. They believe this will be less annoying to local people than parking in residents' parking bays.

Avril believes that residents are unlikely to have much problem with noise. She said, 'With the ambient noise from aircraft and buses the extra volume added by the helicopters won't be very noticeable.' The developer hopes to be able to get Government funding for the project on environmental grounds as it will encourage people to switch from using their car.

April 1, 2004