A local authority has come under fire from an airfield boss over restrictions being imposed on the site.
Eshott Airfield bosses have been embroiled in a fight with Northumberland County Council over the rules which include emergency and military aircraft being banned from landing - except in emergencies.
Other restrictions include vehicles not being allowed to move on the site after 7pm, including the use of the car park.
Pilots are not allowed to land before 9am and an airfield holding area for aircrafts to circle if they arrive early has been created, while pilots will also no longer be allowed to camp on the site with their aircraft.
READ MORE: Plumes of smoke billowed into sky as firefighters tackle house fire
But Airfield director Richard Pike said the situation was "madness" and that planning documents clearly state nothing over 5,700kg can land - except military and emergency services.
He added: "The wording is very clear but there seems to be mass confusion and the word is being misinterpreted.
"The military has said it is vital this gets sorted and they need us. The nearest airfield with the same capabilities is 160 miles away at Barton Manchester.
"The Coastguard was searching for someone who was missing for six or seven hours and refuelled here three times.
"A helicopter isn't going to be able to get home if it can't stop to refuel. It is like saying an ambulance crew can stop for fuel on the way to an emergency but can't stop on the way back to base."
Council bosses say the airfield can be used for "genuine emergencies" but has been clear the site is not currently permitted for regular commercial refuelling of heavy aircraft.
Mr Pike said the definition of "emergency" was unclear but through the council's interpretation a helicopter responding to an emergency can stop, but one returning from a call-out could not.
He added: "It is like saying an ambulance can stop for fuel at a petrol station on the way to an emergency but can't stop on the way back."
Mr Pike said the airfield, which was used for training by the Royal Air Force during World War II, played a key role supporting the military and emergency services during Covid.
He added: "They were happy to let us do it then."
The airfield was also forced to change its operating hours after council bosses said there had been complaints of aircraft landing out with the times.
Mr Pike added: "There were a small number of issues with aircraft arriving outside of the operating times of the airfield.
"This was either because of pilots not being aware of the times or there are factors such as pilots being delayed near Newcastle Airport, if they are held back because a commercial flight is coming in or weather."
As a result of the restrictions placed on the airfield, Mr Pike said they had been forced to cancel visits from local community groups and popular fundraising events were in jeopardy.
Mr Pike said: "We have Scouts and Cadets walk around the hanger in the evenings, they can speak to the pilots and see the aircraft but that is all having to stop.
"If we can't have people here after 7pm we have to stop our charity events that raise thousands of pounds.
"We are a good airfield in the community and there is noise sometimes but we try to be a really good neighbour where possible."
He added: "The company does very well but our biggest competition is the council."
A Northumberland County Council spokesman said: "We are supportive of all businesses in the county.
"However, like many businesses, the airfield is covered by both national planning requirements and long established planning conditions covering hours of operation and noise levels.
"These are intended to strike a balance between operational flexibility and protecting the amenity of local residents.
"The council has always made it clear that the airfield can be used by military and air-sea rescue craft in genuine emergency operations.
"In ongoing dialogue with the airfield we've however been clear the site is not currently permitted for regular commercial refuelling of heavy aircraft.
"Camping at the site, as at any tourist location, requires planning permission which is yet to be applied for by the site operator - and we remain open to correspondence with them.”
A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson said: “Our HM Coastguard aircraft always work within the mitigations allowed by the Civil Aviation Authority and will assess accessibility of airfields - such as Eshott - on a case-by-case basis to assist in search and rescue operations.”
READ NEXT:
- Veteran sleeping in car after marriage break-up told not priority for council house
- Historic property on coastline to be restored and brought back into residential use
- The community plagued by antisocial behaviour - and what's being done to tackle it
- 'Phenomenal' demand for new North East attraction with 3,500 presale tickets sold on first day
- Soldiers from Royal Regiment of Fusiliers to march through town to mark 55th anniversary
