Shrewsbury wartime RAF airfield is spared from housing
A former RAF airfield in Shrewsbury has been protected from the threat of development.
The land, off Monkmoor Road, was earmarked for up to 40 new homes after Severnside Housing put forward plans for the former Hathaways commercial site.
But planning officers at Shropshire Council have now turned down the proposal after objections were raised over demolishing hangars on the short-lived First World War airfield.
While the buildings are not listed as a heritage asset, Shrewsbury Civic Society said the site was one of the town's limited reminders of its role in the war.
Ian Kilby, development manager for Shropshire Council, said: "The proposed development will result in the loss of non-designated heritage assets which are considered to be of regional if not national importance.
"Insufficient justification has been provided that their loss is outweighed by the benefit of redevelopment of the site."
About 39 homes had been planned on the site with a mixture of two-bedroom apartments and semi-detached two and three-bedroom houses. Developers said it would help improve the appearance of the site.
But the demolition of a hangar on the site came under fire from Shrewsbury Civic Society.
Chairman Mike Carter, on behalf of the group, said: "The buildings suggested for demolition have real heritage value. They should not be demolished but considered for listed status.
"The heritage assessment gives little weight to local people's valuation of the buildings' significance as part of Shrewsbury's support for the war effort in both World Wars.
"Shrewsbury has very few physical reminders of its war contributions."
Mr Carter said the airstrip on the site was used to train pilots in the First World War, and in the Second the air based unit collected crashed plane parts for repair in the hangars.
He said the hangars also have significant architectural interest because of supports in the roof, called Belfast Trusses.
While developers said the site would be appropriate for housing because of its location being close to shops and facilities, Mr Carter said that the society felt it would take away crucial land for employment purposes.
He said: "There may be other sites available for businesses, but there are also many other sites available for housing.
"Allowing this application will not enhance the area. Established lcoal companies should not suffer for the sake of a few more homes in this case."
Mr Kilby, in his decision, said the proposal would result in a loss of "important employment land" and refused to grant planning permission.
