Council fails in WW1 airfield housing challenge

Plans to build hundreds of homes on a former World War One airfield have moved a step closer to reality, after the High Court rejected a challenge by Wiltshire Council.

The council argued the circumstances surrounding the development of Old Sarum, near Salisbury, had changed after a listed aircraft hangar there was destroyed by a fire in April 2025.

But Mrs Justice Lang disagreed, finding the Planning Inspectorate's original decision allowing the 315-home development to go ahead, which was issued days before the fire, was neither unjust nor unfair.

Council leader Ian Thorn said he was "very disappointed with this outcome," adding the council would "carefully consider" its next steps.

In her ruling, Lang has said the inspectorate's decision "is valid and is unaffected by the fire and its consequences" as there was "no external injustice or unfairness" to overturn the decision.

The council had previously refused multiple applications to develop the site, arguing that it would impact nearby heritage sites.

Owners Old Sarum Airfield Ltd plans to build 315 homes on the site, alongside commercial and visitor buildings.

Grenville Hodge, director of Old Sarum Airfield Ltd, said: "We are delighted with the outcome of the High Court judgment, although this action by Wiltshire Council should never have been brought in the first place.

"Our intentions remain completely focused on protecting the airfield and heritage assets and ensuring a long-term sustainable future for Old Sarum Airfield."

He said the development would provide "much needed housing and wider community benefits".

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