PLANS by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance to build a heliport on farmland on the outskirts of Malton have hit problems.

Land between Eden Farm and Eden Camp, owned by the Fitzwilliam Estate, has been ear-marked as a summer base for a second helicopter which the charity is hoping to buy.

It would deal with the large number of incidents which take place on the coast and North York Moors during the summer months. A formal planning application has yet to be put forward to Ryedale District Council for approval.

But John Sturdy, of Eden Farm, part of the Fitzwilliam Estate, said he was concerned that a helicopter taking off and landing in his fields would distress and panic livestock grazing nearby. He had had a meeting some time ago with Martin Eede, air ambulance chief executive, when he had suggested alternative sites in the area. He was still awaiting a response.

The heliport would be about 200 metres from his home, said Mr Sturdy.

"I am in favour of the air ambulance, but I have to safeguard my own farming interests. I believe there are other sites which would not interfere with either farm stock or buildings."

Mr Sturdy said he was also concerned about a belt of mature oak trees near the site which could be a hazard for aircraft.

If it got the go-ahead, the heliport could be used to transport seriously-ill patients to key hospitals in all parts of the North of England. Mr Eede said he was having talks with the Scarborough and North East Yorkshire NHS and other trusts about using the air ambulance to take patients, admitted to accident and emergency units, to specialist hospitals.

If agreement is reached with Mr Sturdy and the Fitzwilliam Estate, and the district council grants planning approval, the new heliport could be operational by late-spring next year, said Mr Eede.