THE owners of Moresby Hall have denied “bizarre” rumours that they plan to build a helipad in the grounds of the Grade I-Listed building.

Jane and David Saxon were responding to claims made by neighbours opposed to their plans to convert a ruined barn into holiday lets.

The proposals given the go ahead by Copeland councillors at a meeting this week make no mention of helicopters or any kind of aircraft.

But despite assurances that there was no intention to build one, neighbour Mrs Moore told the panel that there was “no room” for a helicopter to land on the roof

She also likened the modern additions to the farm buildings and grounds to “a glass house sitting on top of the moon”.

Responding to the comments, Mrs Saxon said: “I can assure you there is no helicopter pad included in this scheme. Try to land a helicopter in close to St Bridget’s Church would be an absolutely crazy thing to do.”

Her husband David, who also spoke at the meeting, added: “We have heard all sorts today – a lot of it is very bizarre.”

The Moores, who shares an access road with the historic hall, claimed delivery vehicles and guests visiting the hall “indiscriminately” blocked them.

James Moore also raised concerns about the affect of the development on road safety at the main entrance, concerns echoed by the Highways department.

But the Saxons claimed that the couple next door were motivated to complain because they ran a similar establishment and there was “a competition aspect”.

Mr Saxon said: “They object to everything we have done to the hall in the last 20 years which is fine. We knew they were going to do that because they told us from day one ‘We will object to everything you do’”

Speaking in support of the proposals County Councillor Martin Barbour said the development would “significantly improve” the area, including dilapidated farm buildings which he described as a “blight on the landscape”.

He added that the scheme as “very modest in scale” and “much-needed”, creating up to eight local jobs.