James Dyson granted planning permission for helipad at €30m Waterford estate

Billionaire James Dyson has been granted planning permission for a helipad at his Waterford estate despite the objections of some nearby residents.

In a decision on the case, the planning appeals board said the modest frequency of helicopter flights and the general flight paths would not "unduly detract from the landscape character or setting" of Ballynatray, notwithstanding the location within a scenic setting area of Waterford.

The inventor of the bagless vacuum cleaner purchased Ballintray House and its estate on the banks of the River Blackwater in 2024 for more than €30m.

Since acquiring the property, close to the Cork and Waterford border, Dyson has carried out modifications to the property including the addition of a tennis court and, in October 2024, sought permission from Waterford Council to add a helipad and an upgraded wastewater treatment system.

The addition of the helipad was met with objections by some local residents who argued that “up to 50 helicopter landings a year” would have an adverse affect to the wildlife on the river and the local population, saying the Blackwater is an “unspoiled haven” that is “something that should be preserved and cherished” and not “spoiled with the weekly noise of a helicopter”.

One objector said a helicopter could be heard from kilometres around and would have a “disturbing influence” on wildlife in the area, which is described as being “a sanctuary due to the lack of interference from humans”.

A neighbour wrote to the council, stating: “It is difficult in today’s world to find such areas. I feel strongly that, for the sake of someone’s convenience, an area of natural beauty and importance will be subjected to unnecessary disturbance.”

The council was told the site is an important nesting site for herons, egrets, cormorants, and birds of prey such as sparrowhawks, owls, and buzzards.

An objection said the helicopter would fundamentally alter the natural soundscape and peaceful aural environment of the area, “replacing birdsong and the sounds of nature with the intrusive noise of rotor blades”.

A different objection to the original planning submission described the Blackwater River and its surrounds as a “sensitive area continually under attack” from housing, building, boats, jet-skis, “and now helicopters”.

He said there were more than a dozen other houses in the area that could accommodate a helipad.

Waterford Council granted permission for the helipad last June to be built under certain conditions. However, neighbours filed an appeal with An Comisiún Pleanála.

In a decision, the board granted permission for the development, imposing a limit on the use of the helipad to no more than 50 flights in any one calendar year.

"It is considered that subject to conditions, the location and siting of the proposed development within the attendant grounds of Ballynatray House, would not unduly detract from the landscape character or setting of Ballynatray Demesne or significantly injure the residential amenities of the properties in vicinity," the planning decisiosn states.

The historic Ballynatray House will  host one of the scheduled events in May as part of the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival.