Couple claim £9m over 'unbearable' noise from RAF jets

The owners of a 17th-century house launched a £9 million High Court action yesterday against the Ministry of Defence over "unbearable" noise from RAF Harrier jets.

Darby Dennis, 51, a farmer who has lived in the Grade-I listed house since 1963, and his wife Catherine, 46, say the effect of the planes flying over Walcot Hall, near Stamford, Lincolnshire, is "shattering".

The aircraft, which fly mostly on weekdays and are based three miles away at RAF Wittering, fly low over the house, which was built in 1678.

The couple, who have three children aged 19, 17 and 15, claim that this renders many domestic, recreational and work activities – including ordinary conversation – temporarily impossible.

They say their loss of earnings – through ventures such as shooting parties and conferences – total £2.3m. They also estimate the house has decreased in value by £7.1m.

The MoD disputes the figures and its liability.

The case continues.