Aviators behind a new airfield scheme are defending their plans amid a second public consultation.

The application is for a 20 light aircraft facility on farmland between Willow Woods Road in Little Mongeham and Mill Lane, Coulson Grove in Northbourne, all near Deal.

Since the application was submitted in April 2021 it has faced strong opposition from pressure group Chocks Go Away who say it will cause noise, pollution and harm to wildlife.

Now, those behind it want to allay fears over anti-social flying and hope the community will consider its many benefits which include inspiring the next generation of pilots.

Spokeswoman Ann Bartaby said: "Everybody thinks of aviation as Gatwick and Heathrow but what we are proposing is at the tiny end of aviation.

"These sites aren't unusual. Many exist locally and have done so for as long as 20 years with many people unaware they're there.

"We would like the community to consider the documents supplied to Dover District Council which provide all the facts and be cautious of contrary information being distributed."

The proposal comes after the group lost their runway at Maypole near Herne Bay due to potential future housing.

Whilst other popular landing strips already exist in Barham, Ripple and Sandwich, they say the need is for more user-friendly and safe facilities.

The plan is for a runway, two aircraft hangars, a flight office and toilet.

There will also be a workshop and plant storage building, 10 glamping pods, associated parking and a vehicular access track.

If it is approved, the site - owned by farmer Richard Ledger - would also feature a helipad which will be used by emergency services only.

Crucially, the aviators say the plans would help revolutionise green aviation and silent aircraft, as one of the first ever sites to have a charging point for the first all-electric Pipistrel Velis Electro two-seater aircraft.

Ms Bartaby said: "Most light aircraft now use unleaded fuel and the risks to health have been greatly exaggerated.

"But there are hundreds of electric aircraft now on order in the UK and it is our genuine intention to help accommodate these.

"We believe we are entering a new age in aircraft. The Pipistrel is currently the only electric aircraft certified in the UK, based at Damyns Hall is Greater London, and our airfield will be within its range.

"It will visit and people will be able to see it. This is an opportunity to inspire the next generation of pilots."

'This is an opportunity to inspire the next generation of pilots...'

In addition to promoting the sport as attainable to young people such as Deal Air Training Cadets and schoolchildren studying STEM subjects, they say other benefits include boosting tourism via the 10 glamping pods and improving the current agricultural site with new habitats.

Ms Bartaby added: "There will be no harm to wildlife and biodiversity and no important habitats are affected.

"Airfields do not use fertilisers or sprays and that's why they've become nature havens. There is now significant evidence of increased biodiversity and wildlife at such sites."

They want to reassure people over the impact of antisocial flying.

She added: "The maps that have been shared give the impression we will be flying at chimney top level, which is incorrect.

"By law, you cannot fly closer than 500ft to a person, vehicle or structure.

"Over a large settlement such as Deal, you cannot fly less than 1000ft above the highest part of that area i.e a church steeple.

"There is no intention of flying at night and there will be no runway flights or circuit flying."

Lastly, concerns relating to the positioning of any nearby footpaths, they say, needn't be an issue, as many rural airfields are close to footpaths, some of which cross runways.

Ms Bartaby said: "There are well rehearsed safety measures which will be implemented.

"Access to the footpath network will be a benefit for visitors to the site. There is no intention or need to re-route the existing public right of way.

"The pilots proposing to use this site are experienced and all proper safety measures will be put in place."

Almost 1,800 public comments have been added to the application to date - 1011 objections and 779 in support.

Campaigners Chocks Go Away have raised £16,000 in crowdfunding to oppose the plans as well as held meetings and leafleted homes.

The money helped them to hire a planning consultant to scrutinise the application.

Valerie Owen, of Le Vaillant Owen consultancy, says she uncovered 28 documents related to the application which had not been published on the Dover District Council (DDC) planning portal.

A 21-day consultation, ending on March 11, is now running with Dover District Council.