Latest news with #OldSarum
BBC News
3 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Old Sarum Airfield: Arrest after fire destroyed WW1 hangar
A person has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire engulfed a Grade II* listed World War One blaze broke out in Hangar 3 of the Old Sarum Airfield in Wiltshire on 17 April, burning the historic structure to the ground and destroying an adjacent cafe. The inferno came just a week after developers were given the go-ahead to build up to 315 homes on the site following a long battle for Police said the suspect, whose age has not been revealed, has been released on bail while investigations continue. The airfield lies within the setting of a Scheduled Monument, which means it is recognised as a nationally important archaeological site by the airfield operators had been told to make repairs to Hangar 3 - which partially collapsed when Storm Isha struck in January 2024 - as a condition of planning approval. Witnesses at the time told the BBC how roaring flames and billowing plumes of black smoke could be spotted from miles away. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service warned those living nearby to stay indoors and keep windows and doors shut due to the risk of "unknown chemicals".
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Wiltshire Council to legally challenge Old Sarum Airfield plan
A council is launching a legal challenge against the planning inspectorate decision to approve development at a historic Council has announced it is challenging the approval for 315 homes and facilities for commercial, leisure and aviation at Old Sarum was originally refused by the council in August 2024, but following an appeal and public inquiry, it was approved by an independent planning 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 planning inspector decided the heritage benefits of the application outweighed the potential harm it could 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.
