Latest Old Sarum Airfield recommended for refusal

Wiltshire Council planners don't think housing should be built there

A CGI image of how the housing development could have looked
Author: Faye TryhornPublished 7th Aug 2024

A new planning application for homes and other redevelopments on Old Sarum Airfield is being recommended for refusal.

Wiltshire Council's Strategic Planning Committee will discuss the scheme next week (Wednesday 14th August), with officers saying they believe it shouldn't go ahead.

The application's for 315 homes in three areas around the edge of the airfield, along with a 'flying hub' to support the airfield activities, including a café, heritage centre and visitor centre, and play spaces.

The area in red sets out the development area, with housing around the edges and the existing runway in the centre in lighter green

This is the latest part of a long running saga into whether the site should be redeveloped.

The original planning application was refused in 2015, with an appeal also thrown out in 2019.

The owners of the Airfield say the development is needed 'ensure the long term sustainable viability' of the site.

The future of Old Sarum Airfield has been up for discussion for many years now

But there's a lot of criticism for the plans too - with both Laverstock & Ford and Salisbury City Council objecting to them.

Wiltshire Council's also had close to 300 written responses against the development.

The local authority's planning officers say the latest plans should be refused on the grounds of 'significant increases in vehicular movements on a substandard rural road', with no priority for walking and cycling routes.

They're also concerned about 'significant visual impact' to the area, as it's close to the Old Sarum Castle site and given the Airfield's part of a Conservation Area.

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