POLICE have arrested a person in connection with the fire that tore through a Grade II listed First World War hangar at Old Sarum Airfield.

The fire, which took place on April 17, devastated Hangar 3 and laid waste to the nearby Hangar 3 café – just days after planning permission was granted on appeal to build hundreds of homes at the site on condition that the hangar would be restored.

Wiltshire Police have now confirmed they have made an arrest in connection with the fire.

A spokesperson said: “A person has been arrested on suspicion of arson in relation to this incident and has been released on bail.

“Our investigation continues.”

The force said they will not reveal the age of the arrested person for “operational reasons”.

The fire saw a huge response as crews battled the blaze – and prompted calls for a review of the decision to approve the plans by Old Sarum Airfield Ltd to build 315 homes, a flying hub, leisure facilities and a mix of employment and commercial elements.

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The plans were initially refused by Wiltshire Council Strategic Planning Committee in August 2024, following 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.

But the applicant appealed against this refusal, resulting in a lengthy public inquiry earlier this year, which resulted in an independent Planning Inspector deciding that the harm was capable of being mitigated and therefore allowed the appeal and granted planning permission.

Central to the appeal decision was the restoration of Hangar 3 – previously built by First World War German prisoners of war.

Just nine days after the appeal decision, the fire destroyed Hangar 3.

Wiltshire Council announced it would launch a legal challenge against the decision to approve the plans in light of the fire.

Councillor 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.”