Representation by Denys Eyre Bower Bequest (Denys Eyre Bower Bequest)
- Date submitted
- 28 October 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I write on behalf of The Denys Eyre Bower Bequest, a private charitable trust, which operates as a business at Chiddingstone Castle, Chiddingstone, TN8 7AD. The Chiddingstone Castle business is a multifaceted entity, which owns and administers a Heritage Country House and Grounds, an Accredited Museum, a tourist and visitor attraction and a venue for public and private events and entertainments. The Castle is open to the public during the summer months and the grounds are open for the full twelve months of the year. The business relies heavily on use of the outdoor space for wedding ceremonies, concerts, theatrical productions and literary events. Being located to the east of Gatwick Airport, Chiddingstone Castle has been plagued with frequent and intrusive aircraft noise as westerly bound aircraft approach to land. At times, this disturbance has led to functions, events and productions being adversely affected and proposed events being cancelled. We are a tourist, event and hospitality provider which relies on income generated by these activities to support and maintain the heritage property and grounds. We are most concerned that an increase in future air traffic at Gatwick will further negatively impact our income generating base and therefore our ability to maintain a national heritage asset, into the future.