Council consults on plans to conserve Old Sarum Airfield

Published by webmaster for Salisbury District Council in Communities

Salisbury District Council is seeking views on whether to designate Old Sarum Airfield as a conservation area.

Old Sarum is one of the oldest surviving active airfields in the UK and is one of the few grass airfields still in use. It has seen continuous activity since 1917 and has been used by the RAF, British Army and latterly, the Old Sarum Flying Club.

There are a number of listed buildings at the airfield, including three Grade II* listed former World War I hangars. The airfield is mentioned in the “Thematic Survey of Military Aviation Sites and Structures” published in 2000 by English Heritage, and this puts it among the most important military airfields in the country.

Designating the airfield as a conservation area would help to protect it from development that might damage its historic character or appearance. Details of the proposal can be found on the council’s website at www.salisbury.gov.uk/old-sarum-airfield or viewed at the reception desks at the Council Offices, Bourne Hill and the Planning Office, 61 Wyndham Road, Salisbury.

Elaine Milton, Principal Conservation Officer with the council said; “This is an important and historic site and we have a duty under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act of 1990 to consider its potential designation as a conservation area. However, I would like to emphasise that we have not taken any decisions yet, and listening to the views of the community is an important part of the process and one that we take very seriously.”

Cllr Margaret Peach, Salisbury District Council portfolio holder for Planning and Economic Development said; “I would like to encourage as many people as possible to look at these proposals and comment on them so that we can understand and take account of the full range of local opinion.  These comments will help members make a fully informed decision in due course.”

The closing date for comments is 19 October 2006. Comments can be e-mailed to the council via forwardplanning@salisbury.gov.uk or sent to Mrs E Milton, Principal Conservation Officer, The Planning Office, Salisbury District Council, 61 Wyndham Road, Salisbury SP1 3AH.

ENDS

Press release issued: August 23, 2006