Councillors on Tuesday refused Adrenalin Skydive’s application to change operating times from 7am-6pm to 7am to 8pm daily.

It followed 16 public submissions, 15 of those arguing the venture already generated a “constant, irritating drone” from climbing planes, sometimes “flying over Goulburn.”

Mountain Ash Rd resident Robert Lawrence was one of two residents to address Council before the decision.

On Wednesday Mr Lawrence said it was a good outcome.

“What it does is put the proponent in a vulnerable position because of the large number of complaints about noise,” he said.

“By not providing the (Council requested) information about noise he’s rejecting that there’s any at all. It has raised an issue and it should be pursued vigorously.”

Councillors unanimously supported Cr Sam Rowland’s motion.

He urged refusal on the basis there was insufficient information to allow a proper assessment of noise impact under the Planning Act.

Further, it was “unsatisfactory” regarding likely impacts on the locality and it was “not in the public interest.”

In contrast, planners had recommended that Council request additional information about noise impact and then decide on the DA. But it emerged this had been requested when the application was lodged, but not received.

Cr Rowland highlighted the number of objections.

“The proponent has been given every opportunity to provide information and feedback on the noise issues and he hasn’t,” he said.

“I think the current operating hours are very generous so I believe this motion is in the best interests of the community.”

Deputy Mayor Bob Kirk agreed, saying he didn’t understand why councillors were even considering the DA without the noise assessment.

He argued if Wakefield Park or a trucking operation wanted to extend its hours, the Council would be considering noise impacts.

“I can’t operate power tools at that time of day but apparently we can have this droning noise,” he said.

Cr Kirk agreed with another speaker, Jo Horton of Corrinyah Rd that there was no “incremental community benefit” gained from granting the extension. People would not stay in Goulburn longer or contribute to tourism, given the extra two hours and four additional take-offs.

“This is a person making money out of our quiet enjoyment of the community,” Mrs Horton said.

Objectors alleged Mr Ferrara’s planes were regularly climbing over Goulburn, in breach of 2012 consent conditions.

“The claim attributed to Mr Ferrara (Goulburn Post) that he denies the aircraft flies or climbs over Goulburn is in total conflict with my observations,” one wrote.

“…The noise is a constant unrelenting high pitch drone which can be quite irritating to those residents on the ground going about their normal day to day activities.”

In a response to submissions, Adrenalin Skydive’s senior pilot, Shannon Ward, denied that planes circled over properties and flew below the regulated 1000 feet above built up areas.

He claimed that aircraft noise “was far less intrusive than the sound of Wakefield Park.”

“We cannot be expected to shut down our operation early because of people’s decisions to live in very close proximity to an increasingly busy airport,” Mr Ward wrote.

Cr Andrew Banfield told the meeting there was a great deal of misinformation about flight paths and engine noise and whether indeed aircraft were flying over homes.

“A lot of it is a furphy,” he said.

“You will have a battle proving that they are in breach of flight regulations.”

A supporting submission maintained the 6pm cut off was restrictive under noise regulations.

In addition, the skydiving operation drew 400 visitors every weekend who also patronised local cafes, retail outlets and motels.

Air Services Australia did not object to the change of hours.

Adrenalin Skydive requested the extension to take advantage of daylight saving in summer months.

Mr Ferrara did not wish to comment on the decision.