Council launches legal challenge against Planning Inspectorate’s appeal approval for housing at Old Sarum Airfield

Wednesday, 21 May 2025 16:13

Wiltshire Council has today (Wednesday 21st May) launched a legal challenge against the Planning Inspectorate's decision to allow an appeal and grant planning permission for residential development at Old Sarum Airfield.

The outline application, for around 315 residential dwellings and a mixture of employment, commercial, leisure and aviation, was originally refused by the council’s Strategic Planning Committee in August 2024.

The committee initially refused the application for several reasons, including concerns over highways issues and access to the site, and the close proximity to the Old Sarum Scheduled Ancient Monument and its surrounding Conservation Area.

The applicant decided to appeal against the council’s decision and following a lengthy public inquiry earlier this year, an independent Planning Inspector decided that the harm was capable of being mitigated and therefore allowed the appeal and granted planning permission.

Only days after the appeal was allowed, a Grade II* listed World War I aircraft hangar on the site, which was central to the appeal decision, was destroyed by fire.

Cllr 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.

“Following legal advice, in light of the unusual circumstances surrounding this case, we have taken the decision to launch a legal challenge against the Planning Inspector’s decision.

“We have applied to the court to challenge the decision and we now wait to hear whether it will proceed to hearing.”

More from Local News

Wiltshire Council strengthens commitment to tackling violence against women and girls

Wiltshire Council has reaffirmed its commitment to ending violence against women and girls (EVAWG) by agreeing to appoint a dedicated councillor champion to help drive awareness, support partnership working and ensure the issue remains a priority across the organisation.
A second look could save a life - motorists urged to look again for bikers

Wiltshire Police are urging motorists to take a second look for motorcyclists when using the county's roads.
World Cup campaign sees reduction in drink drive offences and increase in domestic abuse reporting

A Wiltshire Police campaign aimed at tackling drink driving and raising awareness of domestic abuse support during the FIFA World Cup has led to a decrease in drink drive offences and a rise in domestic abuse-related reporting.
Trek the Sahara Desert in support of Salisbury Hospital’s Stars Appeal

The Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity, is looking for adventurous supporters to take on a 100km Sahara Desert trek challenge.
Motorcyclist sustains serious injuries following collision on A30

A man has sustained life-changing injuries following a road traffic collision on the A30 in Fovant.
Local clothing store Daliz brings an afternoon of free live music to Salisbury

Music lovers are invited to enjoy an afternoon of live performances as independent clothing store Daliz hosts Daliz Day Fest on Saturday 25th July at Cross Keys, Salisbury.
Cast Announced for Haunting of Hill House Salisbury Playhouse Production

The stage adaptation of Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House, adapted by Olivier and BAFTA Award-winning writer Stef Smith, has announced its full cast ahead of its world premiere at Salisbury Playhouse this autumn.
Salisbury City Council announce plans to celebrate Salisbury 800

A landmark celebration marking the city's 800th birthday will bring people together on Sunday 25 July 2027, with Salisbury City Council having revealed the first exciting plans for a day of festivities and inviting the community to help make history.