Airport warns of catastrophe after lake dug nearby to attract wildlife

A large pond designed to attract wildlife which was created a kilometre from an airport could cause a  “catastrophe” if geese were to hit any of the planes, an aviation manager has warned.

Barnes Thomas, 37, an art dealer who appeared on Bear Grylls The Island TV show, dug out the area close to Land’s End airport, in Cornwall, which serves the Isles of Scilly, without planning permission two years ago.

The large pond, which residents say is the size of a lake, is about 1,300 square metres (around 14,000 sq ft), is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the St Just District Cornish Mining World Heritage Site.

A retrospective application submitted by Mr Thomas will be discussed by Cornwall council’s west sub-area planning committee on May 28.

More than 4,300 people have signed a petition calling for “the protection of the valley” and the removal of the lake, while there are over 80 public comments on the council’s planning portal, the majority of which are against the application.

Chris Pearson, manager at Land’s End airport, sent the council a photo of two geese a few metres from the runway last month. He said: “The potential for the site to attract or support hazardous birds will directly impact on the likely presence of these species in and through critical airspace.

“The conclusion is very concerning for the airport which, along with all parties, is mandated to prevent any increased risk for aircraft however small.

“While the increased risk of a bird strike may be small, the outcome of such an occurrence would potentially be catastrophic.”

He warned that a Canada goose would cause severe damage if it hit a small aircraft, “possibly terminal damage”.

The town council of St Just in Penwith also objected, citing the lake’s “uncharacteristic appearance” and the “marked domestication of the valley”.

It added: “Of particular concern are the reports that Canadian geese are now present at the site.”

The Ramblers Association said two public rights of way on the land are threatened and has also objected.

Many residents are concerned about access being restricted to an iconic landmark, known as Tom Thumb Rock, which is part of the site and has always previously been open for walkers to enjoy.

Cornwall National Landscape, which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, said: “The conspicuous domestication of this part of the valley floor in this very sensitive landscape fails to respond to [AONB] policy protection and we object to it on this basis.”

People in the nearby hamlet of Kelynack have spoken of their concerns. Janet Gardner, who started the petition, said: “Our only objective is to save the valley for future generations to enjoy.

“It is such an historical place, with an ecosystem and biodiversity that has evolved over thousands of years. It’s a most natural and beautiful place.

“We are concerned this is becoming a playground for the few while the majority cannot enjoy it. We would like our future grandchildren and beyond to enjoy what we have.”

Sue Ellery-Hill, the daughter of Cornish folk singer Brenda Wootton, wrote: “This is absolutely, totally and utterly unacceptable. Cot Valley is a sacred space to thousands of locals, enjoyed and loved daily. Do not desecrate it.”

‘Functional and aesthetically pleasing’

In a statement on behalf of Mr Thomas, Cornwall planning group said: “We are committed to creating a space that is not only functional and aesthetically pleasing, but also contributes to the health and wellbeing of the local ecosystem.

“The proposed development will promote biodiversity by soft and sustainable landscaping materials to reduce run-off and provide habitat for local wildlife.

“The incorporation of green infrastructure has played a pivotal role in the planning of this project, with the aim of facilitating the movement of both people and wildlife throughout the site, while also establishing a network of versatile spaces.

“We believe that the details submitted clearly show that the site can be developed in a way that the locality will not be adversely affected. Indeed, there is a clear opportunity to provide a high-quality development to meet the needs of present and future generations.”

Mr Thomas says what he terms a “pond” complements “the landscape and supports and encourages wildlife and migrating birds”.

“I have applied for retrospective planning permission for the pond, and have cooperated fully with Cornwall council’s planning office. I await their decision,” the statement added.