The Country Land and Business Association are supporting landowners in the South West who are calling for regulation on drone use to protect people, privacy and livestock.

In response to a Government consultation on safe drone use, the CLA said that it wants to see a change to the Civil Aviation Act 1982.

The act, in addition to a system of registration and insurance, would mean recreational drone users would be required to seek the landowners permission before flying over private land.

John Mortimer, CLA South West director, said: "The use of drones, both commercially and for recreation, is a fast growing area but while there is huge potential to benefit a wide range of industries, particularly agriculture, it is vital that regulations keep up with the pace of the changes that are taking place.

“Our members have concerns about recreational users flying surveillance drones weighing up to 20kg over their houses, gardens and fields.

"These machines can cause panic among livestock and create a very real feeling of invasion of privacy.

"There is also the potential to cause considerable damage should the pilot lose control.

“When you spot a drone flying over your property it can be difficult to determine whether it has onboard surveillance equipment.

"Then you need to find and identify the operator, who could be up to half a kilometre away from the drone.

“The uncertainty and huge costs involved in litigation, particularly with the complexity in the law of privacy, is likely to be a deterrent to all but those with the deepest pockets.

"That is why we say it is essential for the CAA 1982 to be updated to reflect modern drone technology and usage."