The boss of an aerodrome which offers thrill-seekers parachute jumps and plane flights has warned developers the noise from its aircraft could upset new homeowners.

A proposal to build a new estate of 120 homes in Headcorn has been put forward to Maidstone council by Savills, on behalf of Catesby Estates.

The development has been earmarked for agricultural land off Mote Road, about 600 metres away from the village high street and primary school.

More than 100 people have opposed the plans for the 7.42-hectare estate, which has already been described as "a concrete jungle”.

But one business says its activities could create problems for buyers and that is why Jamie Freeman, who is managing director of Headcorn Aerodrome, has objected to the project.

The site offers flying lessons, parachute jumps and hot air balloon rides, so aircraft are frequently flying overhead. It also hosts big events such as the Battle of Britain Airshow, which is due to take place this year on July 5-7.

It will also host the Southern Model Show on August 31-September 1.

The proposed homes are right underneath the take-off flight path and Mr Freeman, 65, fears the noise could lead to future problems for new residents.

Speaking online, Mr Freeman explained: "With the continued expansion of housing in Headcorn, and with this planning application, we will overfly this proposed development each time an aircraft takes off.

"In this instance, we feel we would need to object to this application – unless we had the committee’s assurance that the potential purchasers had been advised that they were buying a house that was within the operating area of a busy airfield.

"It would be very concerning a possible 120 people would be upset by the airfield going about its normal day-to-day business."

Catesby Estates says the estate will contribute to Maidstone council meeting its housing targets.

Headcorn has been asked to take 275 new homes across the village in the authority's Local Plan review.

Of the 120 homes being proposed, 48 are set to be affordable with their design “indistinguishable from the market housing”.

In a planning statement, the developer said: “We are striving to create a high-quality residential development on the western fringe of Headcorn.

"[It] will provide a new piece of open space that will benefit not only the residents of the development but the neighbouring areas in Headcorn.”

Children’s play areas, tree planting and new footpaths are also set to be included.

However, the aerodrome added the following comments in its objection letter – words the company says it includes in any planning application being proposed near the airfield.

It read: "I feel the attention of the planning committee, and of the applicant, should be drawn to the fact this proposed development is very close to the aerodrome and within the area covered by the safeguarding map.

"Obviously certain noise connected with the aviation activity will be apparent.

"Subject to the above I would not wish to inhibit the development unnecessarily, provided both your committee and the applicants themselves believe [it] will not be in any way inconsistent with the existing and well-established use of and activity at Headcorn Aerodrome.”

The family-run licenced airfield opened in 1943 during the Second World War as RAF Lashenden.

It was used by the Royal Air Force, Royal Canadian Air Force and United States Army Air Forces before closing in September 1945.

After reverting to farmland following the end of the war, it opened its current private grass airfield in the late 1960s.

More than 100 people have also voiced their concerns about the proposal, with many sharing their views on the online planning portal.

Mill Bank resident Carl Bennett wrote: "We have been long-term residents of the village for over 20 years and over this time we have seen the village evolve and grow, [and] is now of size [which] seems full.

"This is an unnecessary development that increases the village size, increases the number of vehicles in and around the village and puts even more strain on our local amenities."

Moat Road's Tim Haines added: "The planning application remains too geographically limited and does not take into account the risks of increased number of crossings of the A274 either across Millbank or the junction of Moat Road.

"I believe the application should have included the need for a pedestrian crossing for safe access to the school, library and recreation areas to the east of the A274.

"The existing traffic lights do not have an all-red sequence, making crossing hazardous."

If given the go-ahead, the development would be built directly in front of Catkin Gardens – a separate 62-home estate.

Housebuilder Bovis Homes delivered 37 three, four and five-bedroom private houses and 25 affordable properties on the nine-acre site off Maidstone Road in 2022.

Headcorn Parish Council says the village's growing number of homes is an issue it is becoming increasingly concerned about.

Speaking previously in its submission to planners, the council said: "We have had hosepipe bans in the South East for years now.

“They are now being joined by unplanned water outages where the water pipes provision can no longer cope during the summer.

“An extra 120 houses is going to further stress an overworked system.

“This development is simply the wrong thing in the wrong place and would have no benefit to the village or its current residents."

You can view the plans here by searching for reference 23/504471.

An update on the application is expected by April 8.