A BUSINESSMAN who bought a £500,000 country house claims his peace was ruined by aircraft noise.

Semi-retired Graham Farley bought Riverside House, Blackboys, near Uckfield, in 1991 to escape the hustle and bustle of London, where he worked, London's High Court was told.

But, after he moved in, he claims he discovered the house, complete with swimming pool and a stunning ten-acre garden, was near a Gatwick flight path.

Now he is suing chartered surveyor Michael Skinner, who he says he instructed to inform him of any aircraft noise affecting the property during a survey in 1990.

Mr Farley is claiming substantial damages to cover the alleged diminution of the value of his home as well as his loss of enjoyment of the property and discomfort.

He alleges he would not have bought the property had Mr Skinner's report highlighted the aircraft noise problem.

Mr Skinner, of Belmont Lane, Hurstpierpoint, denies all liability.

The court heard Mr Farley, who also has homes in London and Florida, paid £420,000 for the picturesque house and extensive gardens.

Mr Farley, a keen gardener, told the court: "The main reason we purchased it was for the grounds and the setting.

"It is therefore particularly annoying to hear the intrusion of aircraft noise.

"I enjoy the outside. I have three dogs. I walk them through the grounds and generally enjoy being outside rather than inside."

He told the court he had instructed Mr Skinner to carry out a general survey on the house 'and in particular to look at the possibility that the house might be affected by aircraft noise, given that it was near Gatwick Airport'.

He said: "Mr Skinner wrote in his report that he felt it was unlikely it would be affected by aircraft noise."

He agreed he had not asked the former owner of Riverside House about aircraft noise when he twice visited the property.

The hearing, expected to last at least three days, continues.

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