Salisbury residents fume as WW1 hangar destroyed by Storm Isha
Repeated warnings of the buildings vulnerability went unheeded
Last updated 23rd Jan 2024
Those in charge of a Salisbury airfield have been criticised after a Grade II listed hangar suffered extensive damage during Storm Isha.
Local people reported that Hangar 3 at Old Sarum Airfield had collapsed during the storm despite repeated warnings from residents and parish councillors of the buildings likely fate.
Laverstock & Ford Parish Council say the damage proves how "continual failure" in maintaining an important part of the community's heritage left it "vulnerable" to "predictable events such as winter storms."
On the Parish Council's website, they said: "It does not speak well of the ability of the owners to care for this important asset, nor of the statutory bodies who are meant to enforce the protection given to our historic buildings."
Nick Baker, Chair of Laverstock & Ford Parish Council responded to the news broken by members of the Save Old Sarum Airfield Group, by saying “Old Sarum is a living monument to those who served our countries in two world wars as well as an important part of our historical and architectural heritage.
"The Hangar is one of three listed former World War 1 Aircraft Hangars on the site and was first listed with Historic England, in August, 1989. It was placed on the “At Risk’ register in November 2020 following a partial roof collapse."
The airfield is currently subject to a planning application for development, which would include the building of over 300 homes.
But the Parish Council feel that, given there's unlikely to be decision until later this year, action needs to be taken now and are calling on Wiltshire Council and Historic England to take urgent steps in assessing the damage and enforce the obligations placed on the sites owners by law, if necessary.
Wiltshire Councillor, Ian McLennan says responsibility for the loss of a "national treasure" rests with those who own the building.
He said: "Given it’s listing by Historic England, they too must bear responsibility for inaction. Finally, I requested visits by Wiltshire Council, in the past, when the local view was that the structure was dangerous.
"On both occasions, despite visible indications to the contrary, the building was deemed safe and sound. A sad day for early military aviation heritage.”
Wiltshire Cllr Nick Botterill, By Brook division, Cabinet Member for Finance, Development Management & Strategic Planning stated:
“I am advised that WC is liaising with Historic England with a view to issuing a statement shortly about the current situation.
The Director of Planning has also advised me as to the Conservation Team’s take on the situation …
Given the conditions and severity of the weather recently it is not surprising that there has been damage to the structure.
Appropriate temporary works have been required by the Council to ensure public safety around the building.
A full reconstruction of this building is required (and has been for some years) rather than just repairs or preservation works.
A full and extremely detailed digital survey of the structure has been undertaken by Historic England’s specialist recording teams and this is now available to the owners.”