A CONTROVERSIAL helipad to ferry workers to and from an offshore wind farm has taken off.

Galloper Offshore Wind Ltd has been given the go-ahead for the temporary helipad for up to 24 months, while it waits for a decision on plans for a permanent base at Harwich International Port.

Tendring Council’s planning committee agreed the temporary scheme at Great Oakley Airfield, which includes a portable building as an office and canteen, a new fuel storage tank, refuelling, lighting and car parking.

Great Oakley Airfield is already allowed three helicopter take-offs per day, but Galloper will require up to 20 more.

Susanne Ennos, Tendring Council’s planning team leader, said: “It is considered this will fit well with the existing farm buildings and there will not be a significant adverse impact on the character of the surrounding area.

“It is very much a balance between supporting business and protecting residential amenities and we feel this can be achieved.”

The flight path will see helicopters fly over residential areas after objections to the original flight path from Natural England and the RSPB sited a possibly “severe” impact on birds in the Hamford Water and Stour Estuary protected areas.

Tendring Council also received more than 19 letters of objection to the helipad proposals with residents saying the noise nuisance alone would be “unbearable” for residents.

Tendring councillor for Great Oakley Mike Bush said he was “bitterly disappointed” the plans were passed.

“What concerns me more than anything is there are some major issues at the port’s application,” he added.

“Natural England and Suffolk Coasts and Heaths have objected due to the loss of wildlife habitat and suggested Galloper look at alternative locations.

“From my view it means the helipad could be in Great Oakley forever.”

The helipad will be used to serve the wind farms off the coast from November.