Old Sarum Airfield in Salisbury: Plan for 470 homes

Proposals to build 470 homes on a World War One airfield in Wiltshire are going on show to the public.

Old Sarum Airfield, which is still in use, is a conservation area and the hangars are listed buildings.

The owners say the aim of the proposed regeneration, which also includes new buildings for aviation activities, is to create a sustainable future.

But opponents say they do not want to see the airfield "ruined by additional housing".

Old Sarum Airfield Ltd said regenerating the site, created in 1917 for use as a training station during the war, would help maintain flying activity and the houses would not restrict it.

New aviation buildings would allow the Grade I listed hangars to be renovated, and their link to the original flying field restored, the company said.

The listed hangars would be used to house, renovate and display historic aircraft which have flown from Old Sarum over the years, as well as the Boscombe Down Aviation Collection.

The proposals also include improving the setting of the Old Sarum Scheduled Ancient Monument

The homes would be built on the airfield perimeter, along with a restaurant, and visitor and conference centres.

The proposals also include improving the setting of the Old Sarum Scheduled Ancient Monument nearby.

But Wiltshire councillor Ian McLennan said: "The local people here love the airfield, love the flying and do not want to see this historic airfield ruined by additional housing.

"We are lucky enough to have one of the nation's rarest airfields from World War One in our midst."

Wiltshire Council has agreed a need for additional housing in the area and a planning application is expected from the airfield in the next few weeks.

The public are invited to attend the airfield to view and comment on the proposals between 11:30 and 20:30 GMT.

The listed hangars would be used to house, renovate and display historic aircraft