A CONTROVERSIAL airstrip in Worcestershire looks set to remain open after planning officers at Wychavon District Council recommended it for temporary approval.

Proposals to extend planning permission for the microlight airstrip at Court Farm, Hadzor, near Droitwich, will be considered by members of the council's planning committee this Thursday.

The landing site became the focus of an intensive campaign in 1996, when furious villagers claimed the airstrip would ruin their community.

Residents claimed the microlights were too loud and infringed on their privacy as they passed overhead at low level. The airstrip had been in use since 1993.

The planning committee refused planning permission for the airstrip in June 1996, after a site visit by councillors.

But, three years ago, it was granted after site owner Brian McWilliams went to appeal.

Inspectors carried out noise level tests and investigated the potential for low-flying aircraft over near by houses, and the refusal was overturned.

However, the inspectors' acceptance was made subject to restricted flying hours and a limit of 15 take-offs a day. A ban was also put on training and test flights.

But, in a report to councillors for Thursday's meeting, planning officers state that no complaints have been received since the approval was given.

"There does not seem to be a problem for local residents as a result of the previous permission," the report states. "It is understood the use of it has been relatively infrequent."

But the report adds that, in view of recent approval of residential development at Hadzor Hall, a further extension should be granted, not full approval.

"The development is relatively close to the west of this airstrip and it's considered further temporary permission would be appropriate with the conditions imposed by the inspector at appeal."