New masterplan for Old Sarum Airfield redevelopment revealed

Members of the public could view the plans at the Skies Cafe on the airfield itself - and the plans have also been uploaded to the airfield's website. 

It comes after a previous application submitted in 2015 - and the subsequent appeal in 2018/19 -  were both refused. 

After an inquiry, an Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State for Housing Communities and Local Government refused planning permission, stating "the proposed development would represent an erosion of the open character and appearance of the Airfield Conservation Area, the setting of the listed hangars and that of the Old Sarum [Scheduled Ancient Monument".

The group behind the plans say the new "strategic masterplan" will ensure the long-term viability of the airfield to protect the aviation heritage for the future. 

The team also said they have been engaging with Historic England "which has indicated that it would not object to the revised proposals". 

The proposed masterplan reduces the overall number of dwellings from 480 to 315.

The majority of the amendments are located in Area A, which has been reduced in scale from 320 homes to 160, "moving the development away from the airfield and retaining the openness character". 

Minor changes in Area C have reduced the number of dwellings from 160 to 155.

Other proposals include a new dynamic hub for flying activities.

"Area B will transform the airfield for the 21st century with modern state-of-the-art buildings. Initial ideas suggest buildings could take influence from the aerodynamics of aviation with the main flying hub designed to follow the curvature of an aeroplane wing. The building’s roof would appear to be light and floating. Balconies, viewing areas and canopies will promote the excitement of flying activities."

It adds: "In addition to the new aviation facilities the historic core will be refurbished in line with the proposed Management Plan and Conservation Management Plan to create an important hub for historic aircraft.

The team also say Hanger 3 will be repaired and clutter removed from the area between the buildings and the airfield to improve their setting and permit aircraft manoeuvring and thus re-establish their relationship to the flying field.

The deadline for the feedback form response is April 5, after which the comments will be reviewed and the planning application will be finalised.

An outline planning application will then be submitted to Wiltshire Council some time in May. 

An outline application form is generally used to find out, at an early stage, whether or not a proposal is likely to be approved by the planning authority, before any substantial costs are incurred.

This type of planning application tend to have fewer details about the proposal to be submitted.

You can view the plans and fill in a feedback form on the airfield's website here.