Conservative MP for Croydon South, Richard Ottaway, has condemned the Ministry of Defence’s plans to construct a new fence around Kenley Airfield.

Mr Ottaway wrote to Croydon Council to voice his objection to the fence after the MoD reapplied for planning permission last November.

An earlier bid to erect a £200,000 1.2m high palisade fence proved disagreeable with local residents who use the airfield for recreation, and it was dropped in February.

The MoD continued to claim a fence must be built after a report from the government's Health and Safety Executive said it was necessary for the safety of pilots and the public that use the site Mr Ottaway said: “I have now had an opportunity to look at the detail of the latest planning application which has been lodged with Croydon Council by the MoD to erect a 1.2 metre high perimeter fence and gates around the airfield. Like many other residents, I have serious concerns with this latest application.

“Presently the Aerodrome and Kenley Common form a contiguous open area and I believe that the proposed fencing will significantly and detrimentally alter the character and amenity and outlook of the area and will compromise the conservation area status of Kenley Aerodrome. I have therefore lodged my objection to this proposal.

“I hope that the application will, in due course, be refused.”

Kenley and district resident association (Kendra) vice-chairman, Chris Baguley, said: “Things are mainly going in the right direction and the MoD has compromised a lot on their original design. It is certainly an improvement on before but it all goes back to if it isn't broken don't fix it.

“We understand in these days of litigation that insurance companies demand precautions are followed and we know that there is sound reasoning behind the fence but we still think that it needs more forethought. We shall see what happens at the next planning meeting.