NORTHUMBERLAND County Council is investigating whether a helipad should have been built in the Allen Valleys, following concerns by local councillors.

Allendale Parish Council has contacted the county council to say it was concerned that it had not been consulted over a helipad that had been constructed on grouse moors in the Byerhope Valley near Allenheads.

The helipad consists of a concrete base, which is near a bridleway close to a quarry at Dodd End.

The issue was raised by parish councillor, Mike Quinn.

However, Northumberland County Council is unsure as to whether the concrete base would require planning permission in the first place.

A spokeswoman for the council said: “Following a complaint to the council, we are investigating the construction of a helipad base in this location, and determining whether planning consent is required.”

Officers from the council’s planning enforcement team have visited the site, but have yet to make a decision on the issue.

However, the British Helicopter Association provides guidance on helipads.

It states: “Although planning consent is not normally required for helicopter operations from private property, the construction of hard standing – e.g. a concrete landing surface as well as the installation of landing lights and the erection of a hangar or barn in which to house the helicopter – may be regarded as development by the local planning authority for which planning consent would be required.”

The helipad is built on the Allenheads grouse moor, which is owned by hedge fund manager Jeremy Herrmann.

Mr Herrmann, who also owns Muggleswick grouse moors, was contacted via his hedge fund, Ferox, but did not respond with a comment.