The former chairman of the Isle of Wight’s Campaign to Protect Rural England – and husband of the Island’s High Sheriff – is at the centre of an investigation into whether aircraft hangers were built on his private Barton Manor estate without permission. Alex Haig-Thomas, who runs the Barton Manor Estate with his wife, Dawn, says he is ‘unaware’ of any council investigation. But the Isle of Wight Council has said it has received ‘planning enforcement complaints’ over what has been described as an airstrip and associated buildings for aircraft on the estate. It’s said that council officers are currently investigating whether there had been a breach of planning regulations, as alleged. The local authority has said that it is also looking into whether trees were cut down at the Whippingham estate to make way for the ‘airstrip’. Mr Haig-Thomas says any changes have been above board, and fall within an agreed land management plan. Mr Haig-Thomas has said he would welcome an open discussion, to address any concerns regarding the land management process and planning consent. Between 2016 and now, satellite images show a section of protected woodland near the coastline changing – 2 buildings being added to a greenfield site and the emergence of a lighter, straight patch of land. 
“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.”
