Council to legally challenge historic airfield plan

Old Sarum Airfield has World War One aircraft hangars

A council is launching a legal challenge against the planning inspectorate decision to approve development at a historic airfield.

Wiltshire Council has announced it is challenging the approval for 315 homes and facilities for commercial, leisure and aviation at Old Sarum Airfield.

It was originally refused by the council in August 2024, but following an appeal and public inquiry, it was approved by an independent planning inspector.

Days later, a listed aircraft hangar which was due to be restored as part of the application was destroyed in a fire.

The council's initial refusal included concerns about access to the area and nearby heritage sites, including an iron-age fort.

A heritage centre and aviation archive were included in the plans.

The planning inspector decided the heritage benefits of the application outweighed the potential harm it could cause.

Councillor Adrian Foster, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Development Management and Housing, said: "The basis on which the decision was made to allow the appeal has altered following the devastating fire to the listed aircraft hangar at Old Sarum Airfield."

He said they decided to launch the challenge after legal advice and the "unusual circumstances" with the case.

"We have applied to the court to challenge the decision and we now wait to hear whether it will proceed to hearing" he added.