WW2 RAF hangars face demolition for 150 homes

Three World War Two RAF hangars could be demolished under controversial plans to build up to 150 homes on a former airfield site.

RAF Colerne in Wiltshire served as a satellite airfield during the Battle of Britain, helping Spitfire and Hurricane fighter squadrons defend Bristol.

Colerne's residents have mixed views on the plans - with some raising concerns over traffic, pressure on already stretched infrastructure and the loss of WW2 heritage. Others want to see new homes built.

Wiltshire councillor Phil Chamberlain is attempting to ensure the controversial scheme is put before elected councillors rather than being decided by council planning officers.

Chamberlain argued the development would represent a major expansion of the village and has also highlighted concerns over roads, utilities and local services.

A public consultation on plans to demolish the former RAF hangars ended at the start of the month.

Among residents' concerns was asbestos in the hangars complicating the demolition, as well as the impact on roads, sewage and the village GP surgery.

The preservation of the hangars was raised by residents including Jonathan Beardon, who said flattening the site would be an act of "historical vandalism".

Another resident, Jo Rogers, said the buildings were a "physical reminder of our area's wartime history" and might hold "significant historical and heritage value".

But others want new homes built - resident Carla Reed said it was "really important that young people have the opportunity to stay in the village they have grown up in", rather than having to move away because they can "no longer afford to live there."

Sam Nixey said he had to move out of the village due to "overpriced and under supply of housing available".

The application proposes up to 150 homes, including 17 affordable properties across the 7.1-hectare (about 17.5-acre) brownfield site.

Colerne Parish Council formally objected, describing the proposal as "disproportionate in scale" and warning it could add around 30% to the population of the existing village centre.

Concerns around extra traffic not having been adequately assessed was included in North Wraxall Parish Council's objection.

An objection was also lodged by Wiltshire Council's Urban Design team, who said the scheme had not demonstrated that its scale and layout responded appropriately to its sensitive village-edge location within the Cotswolds.

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