WILTSHIRE Council has launched a legal challenge against the Planning Inspectorate’s decision to allow an appeal and grant planning permission for 315 homes at Old Sarum Airfield.

The plans, which include a flying hub, leisure facilities and a mix of employment and commercial elements, were 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.

Applicant Old Sarum Airfield Ltd 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.

READ MORE: ‘Deep disappointment’ after Old Sarum Airfield development approved on appeal

READ MORE: Legal advice sought after fire devastates Old Sarum Airfield

Days after the appeal was allowed, a fire devastated a Grade II listed World War I aircraft hangar on the site, which was central to the appeal decision.

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.”