A former chairman of the Isle of Wight's Campaign to Protect Rural England is at the centre of an investigation into whether aircraft hangers were built on his private estate without permission, while Alex Haig-Thomas, who runs the Barton Manor Estate with his wife, Dawn, the Island's current High Sheriff, says he is unaware of any council investigation.

The Isle of Wight Council says it is also looking into whether trees were cut down at Barton Manor in Whippingham. Mr Haig-Thomas says any changes have been above board, and fall within an agreed land management plan.

An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said the authority has received "planning enforcement complaints", adding officers are currently investigating whether there had been a breach of planning regulations.

Concerns have been raised over what has been described as an airstrip and associated buildings for aircraft on the estate.

Mr Haig-Thomas said he would welcome an open discussion, to address any concerns regarding the land management process and planning consent.

Isle of Wight County Press: Satellite images, taken in 2016, 2019, 2021 and 2023. Pictures by ESRI.Satellite images, taken in 2016, 2019, 2021 and 2023. Pictures by ESRI. (Image: ESRI)

Between 2018 and now, satellite images show a section of protected woodland near the coastline changing,  two buildings being added to a greenfield site, and the emergence of a lighter, straight patch of land.

Mr Haig-Thomas said four agricultural units have been removed and "two small low profile, dark green sheds" were erected.

He said: "We have always sought and gained planning consent before building works commenced."

Because an enforcement case was launched by the Isle of Wight Council in October, the authority said it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.

Regarding the trees, Mr Haig-Thomas said the estate has a woodland management plan, agreed with Historic England, the council, Natural England and the Forestry Commission. 

He said: "The plan has been very successful so far. We took on a neglected woodland which was overcrowded and devoid of light and life, twelve years ago.

"Since then, we have been committed to promoting conservation and biodiversity in and around our woods and parkland."