Planning inquiry opens regarding Old Sarum airfield proposals. Heritage, roads and housing are key issues.
Evidence covers heritage, roads, and home viability. Leisure aspects are also under review. These include a “flying hub” and parachute center, with cafés, restaurants, and hangars included.
Wiltshire Council and Old Sarum Airfield Ltd presented statements. Old Sarum Airfield Ltd operates the airfield and they spoke via barristers Thursday.
Grenville Hodge, who directs the airfield, attended the inquiry’s first day but will not make a statement. Wiltshire rejected a similar 2015 application, a rejection that was upheld by appeals and the High Court.
Christopher Young represents Old Sarum. He said the airfield’s heritage, including Grade II*-listed Hangar 3, is decaying and the land is caught up in redevelopment disputes. Young said inaction harms the site, and that inspectors urged collaboration to protect a national heritage asset. The design addresses impacts on Old Sarum, with Historic England helping refine it.
Young claims road plans remain unchanged since 2015, but the council now objects to these plans, a change of heart he finds surprising. He also noted that no affordable homes are planned now, but the applicant will pay all requested fees.
Young believes the evidence favors the plan, balancing many interests in a thoughtful and sustainable design. He stated that the applicant worked with the council openly to protect the unique site, and that he thinks the council is now opposing their own needs.
Hashi Mohamed spoke for the council, saying little has changed since the High Court challenge and noting the plans lack detail, claiming the “care” is missing. According to Mohamed, the applicant didn’t seek council input early, and Hangar 3 has fallen apart.
The council feels at least 25% of homes should be affordable, deeming zero unacceptable without clear evidence to justify it. The C287 Roman Road worries them, as they deem it unfit for more traffic, worrying that the scheme could harm heritage sites.
The appeal continues. A site visit is planned for Monday, and the inquiry ends at the Red Lion Hotel on Friday.