THE future of a model aircraft club has been secured after it won planning consent to continue flying from its countryside base.

Shildon Model Flying Club (SMFC) gained permission to fly aircraft from a seven hectare site at Old Eldon, near Shildon.

The club has used the field since 2003 and for two years did not require planning permission, because the land was used no more than 28 days a year.

In 2005, it gained temporary consent to use the site more frequently, permission which was renewed for a further 12 months last year.

On Friday, Sedgefield Borough Council's development control committee approved the club's application for permanent use of the site, despite a flurry of objections from nearby residents.

Councillors heard that officers had been inundated with complaints of noise from the aircraft and alleged breaches of conditions aimed at reducing the impact on neighbours.

Objector Mike Thornton said: "I am not the man who has inundated officers, but I can tell you he represents 11 residents and there are only 11 residents who can object.

"One couple are moving away, tenants are unable to complain and the remainder are unanimous in our objection.

"We are not against minority groups looking to use their time constructively, but feel there must be a more suitable location, one that would not interrupt people's peace and quiet."

Don Surtees, of SMFC, told the committee all aircraft are tested - if a model exceeds 80 decibels, it is grounded until it can be modified to fall within the permitted noise limit.

Officers confirmed no significant problems had been identified during site inspections and that club members immediately corrected any anomalies found.

The committee approved the application.

Conditions were imposed on the permission to limit the impact on residential amenity, including limits on flying times, noise levels and engine size.

And a no-fly zone 200 metres from the nearest house has been marked out.

Mr Surtees welcomed the decision and said it appeared to secure the future of the 22-year-old group.

The group has 13 adult members and hopes, in future, to expand its educational projects and welcome new members.