History

• Old Sarum airfield is older than the RAF, it has a perimeter that is largely still intact and it’s a historic site set in a conservation area. The openness of the grassed operational area, setting and historic value make it unique. There are only two grassed airfields of this type in the whole of the country.
• Current proposal to develop 155 House outlined in area ‘C’ and 160 Houses in area ‘A’ total of 315.
• There has been little variation to area ’C’ , a reduction of 5 houses. Most cutbacks are on area ‘A’ from 480 to 160.
• No Conservation area Management plan and Management plan available, only proposed. Must be in place prior to any application being considered.
• The Masterplan must have community involvement to shape the plan. No evidence yet of any consultation only presentation.
• Need to consult on issues such as Aircraft movements, noise, economic viability of the airfield, restoring views within and onto the site, Possibility of upgrading of Green Lane, parking areas in area ‘B’. (Tourist visitors).
• Why is it necessary to build so many houses? Need to demonstrate how the plan can ensure the long-term viability of flying will be realised. Needs a business plan. Inspector said specific policies in the framework indicate development should be restricted. It is not a strategic site and is potential only.
• Within Area ‘C’ the MOD has a restricted covenant restricting any building which could be removed subject to a provision on each build. Could the PC contact the MOD to establish if the community views could be taken into consideration?
• There is conflict on Core Policy 2 and Core Policy 25 suggested by agents the specific policy outweighs common policy which means the same for the Neighbourhood Plan. Needs testing CP 25 outdated. Ford designated a small village infill only.
• Heritage harm would be substantial which would outweigh any benefits. Openness, Character would be compromised. There is a reason why the setting and linkage of the historic hillfort and airfield was selected. The answer is, the same defensive function of protection and war time engagement.
• Conservation area Management Plan needs to be acceptable to WC and public consultation to include the whole CA not just elements currently within the applicant’s control.
• Previous application rejected mostly on Heritage grounds on area ‘A’.
• The last application produced 500+ objections together with a Facebook site including more than 1500 members. Almost every consultee in Wiltshire council and other statutory consultees objected to the application.
• When asked by the inspector what would be the fall-back position if permission not granted, answer, there would be unrestricted movements of aircraft of all types, hanger 3 would further deteriorate. What’s changed.
• Significance of heritage remains unchanged, little attention given to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of the CA .
• Heritage report needs to identify how these houses would impact on the visual importance from the OSAM.
• The grade 11* listed hangar is no longer owned by the airfield. Why is it necessary for an enabling site to support the refurbishment of the Hangar? Why haven’t English Heritage made sure the Hangar did not fall into disrepair? .

Highways

• The last application highways recommended refusal for the following reasons.
• Ford road is relatively narrow, substandard has no footways to provide for safe pedestrian movement between upper and lower Ford areas or to facilities in Castle Road and beyond. Greater intensity of conflict between increased vehicular and pedestrian and cycle movements on this road would present a higher and unacceptable safety risk.
• Area ‘C’ concerns over the transport sustainability of the area because of the poor level of public transport reasonably available to the site.
• Area ‘A’ and ‘C’ would add to the congestion along Castle Road, London Road, Church Road Laverstock and the ring road around the city. Air pollution can only get worse and amount to an unacceptable level. The reduction of houses in area ‘A’ will not reduce the level of traffic, taking into consideration house building in Amesbury, and Longhedge which is ongoing. It is difficult to see how the 40% reduction in the level of traffic is achieved.
• The previous plan included provision in area ‘B’ for 244 car parking spaces on the site and 278 on display days. What provision is there in the new plan and is there an intention to run any Air shows?
• Included in Area ’C’ are further buildouts when the current ones have proved ineffectual.
• There is no aviation Safety or emergency plan mentioned. A full report will be required to ensure any disasters are avoided as best as possible.

Enviromment & Wildlife

• Until recent ploughing of the main area around the airfield strip, this site was a valuable nesting site for skylarks. These are a “red listed” species considered specifically under threat as those of you who walk Castle Hill Country Park will know. They are still managing to breed on the site, mainly on the headlands and ground that remains uncultivated, unfortunately development would destroy the breeding grounds that remain.
• Despite a serious setback when the Squash Court block was sealed up, the Little Owl population has managed to hang on. There are other species of owl and woodpecker that are relying on the site. Starlings, both resident and migratory, the latter although sometimes annoying at the bird table, are able to feed on the remaining grassland. The area also has an important role to play for migratory flocks of lapwings.
• We may be overseeing the destruction of an important environmental corridor across the north of Salisbury. The Woodford Valley is linked to open farm and “Range” ground to the east of the site, which supports a strong community of mammals and birds.
• The hedges and perimeters support a range of flora and fauna, which again could be significantly compromised should development take place. We are all disturbed by the amount of wildlife casualties seen on our roads throughout the year. Developments such as this reduce space for breeding badgers and other wildlife forcing young into new territories that simply no longer exist. These are just the changes we can see, unseen and permanent changes are also occurring.
• This site forms an important environment resource that everyone benefits from locally. The insects and invertebrates, that may not be considered properly in any “environmental” survey, to the sanctuary for larger mammals that we have pleasure in seeing in our gardens and parks. It is essential that pockets of undisturbed areas are preserved in order that the natural balance around us can be maintained.

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