A business tycoon has left neighbours in a spin over a helicopter landing pad.

Planning enforcement officials have received complaints about the helipad - complete with a large yellow letter ’H’ - which has appeared in the grounds of millionaire Alan Potts’ home at Corony Bridge, Maughold.

Villagers are concerned at its close proximity to the Laxey to Ramsey coast road, the nearby Corrany housing estate and a bus stop used by schoolchildren.

A neighbouring farmer is also worried that a helicopter will spook his livestock.

Garff Commissioners have confirmed that racehorse owner Alan Potts, who founded the MMD mining equipment company based in Laxey, did not have planning permission to build the landing pad in the grounds of his Ain Chea estate.

It is understood, however, that Mr Potts had informed planning officials that he will submit a retrospective planning application.

Those who have raised objections will be notified. Enforcement action will be taken if the application is turned down.

Garff Commissioners’ clerk Pete Burgess said: ’It was spotted by eagle-eyed residents. It just appeared. We were notified on March 14.

’It is currently being investigated by planning enforcement officers at the DEFA who have written to the owner. The final decision is with the DEFA but I understand the owner has indicated that a retrospective planning application will be submitted.

’We have concerns about a helicopter operating so close to a main road. It’s also very close to a bus stop where children get on and off the bus.

’And just last week we were contacted by a neighbouring farmer who is concerned about his livestock being spooked.’

A government spokesman said: ’The planning enforcement officers are aware of an issue and are looking into the matter.’

Airport director Ann Reynolds said Mr Potts would not need permission to operate a helicopter from his private land.

She said: ’We are aware that there is a new helipad at Maughold which is outside of Ronaldsway’s controlled airspace.

’We would expect good aviation practice to be followed and a risk assessment to have been carried out.’

We contacted Mr Potts but he had not got back to us by the time story was published.