Plans to build on historic airfield refused

Plans to build 315 homes on a historic airfield site have been refused.

Members of Wiltshire Council's strategic planning committee unanimously voted against the proposals for Old Sarum Airfield, in Wiltshire, at a meeting on 14 August.

The site is one of the oldest operational airfields in the country, dating back to World War One. It is also home to three grade II listed hangars.

Grenville Hodge, director of Old Sarum Airfield, said he was “extremely disappointed” in the council’s decision to refuse the latest application.

The application also sought permission for employment, commercial and leisure spaces.

One of the hangars, which collapsed in Storm Isha earlier this year, was also set to be repaired, according to the plans.

A petition and 294 comments were submitted in response to the proposals, raising concerns over the impact of the development on the airfield and the surrounding area.

In 2015, a similar application was submitted and refused, despite being taken to appeal.

At the time, the appeal inspector concluded that harm, to both the airfield conservation area and the setting of Old Sarum scheduled monument could not be satisfactorily mitigated under any circumstances.

Mr Hodge said the proposals provided a "long-term viable solution" for the site, by providing "much needed" housing.

He added that "it seems contradictory that Wiltshire Council are using heritage concerns as grounds for refusal when the national heritage experts Historic England clearly support the proposals".

“As part of the application, we were prepared for the council to impose restrictions on our current unrestricted aircraft activity and noise at the airfield for the benefit of the thousands of residents who surround the airfield," he said.

"This decision will now significantly impact the lives of local people."

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