NOISE from model planes circling a Stone farm for up to six hours drove residents "potty" and forced one man to leave the area, a planning inquiry heard.

But Severn Spinners Radio Control Society, which is appealing against the refusal by Wyre Forest District Council planners to allow them to fly petrol-powered planes on bank holidays and silent electric ones on any day, said their application was "not unreasonable."

Giving evidence at Kidderminster Town Hall, planning development control chief Mike Parker said committee members who had thrown out the club's application in July felt the proposed increase in hours would be "the straw that broke the camel's back."

He said members objected to the extra noise from an increase in flying time for petrol planes and the airborne presence of electric models over a field rented by the club at Sparum Farm, Heath Lane .

"The impact on the recreational amenity of residents was one the council could not accept," he said.

Resident John Arnott said: "One man had to leave the area because of the noise." He claimed many residents were being driven "potty", particularly those who had to wear a hearing aid. Another Stanklyn Lane resident, who did not wish to be named, added: "It's like a strimmer going for six hours."

Safety fears about models crashing, flying into electric pylons and distracting drivers were expressed.

But club secretary Mike Larlham told the inquiry he did not see why the flying of "virtually silent" electric-powered model gliders should be a problem if they were not over people's houses. He said the increase in flying time for petrol-powered models only amounted to four hours a day on five bank holidays a year, excluding Good Friday and Christmas Day.

He said: "A lot of other activities take place on bank holidays and we feel we're being somewhat put upon."

Planning inspector Timothy Morgan adjourned the inquiry pending his decision.