WORK is being carried out on Hangar Three at Old Sarum Airfield.

The hangar is in a state of disrepair, having suffered a partial roof collapse, and part of the work taking place is to "shore things up" so that there are no more collapses. 

It is also in preparation for another planning application to be submitted for the redevelopment of the site. 

A spokesperson on behalf of the owners of the airfield told the Journal that the work taking place is scheduled and has been agreed with Historic England.

They said: "It is scheduled work, they [the workmen] are going in to shore things up in a temporary fashion. They have taken the doors off so they could get equipment in there to clear up where there had been a partial roof collapse, clear out the debris, and sort the doors out for when a full application goes in at some point within the next year. 

"At this stage it is just temporary work, and they are putting in some scaffolding as well and shoring up the trusses as well to make sure there is no further partial roof collapses, and it has all been agreed with Historic England." 

There are plans in the new year to submit a new planning application on the site, and the owners have been working on a new, revised scheme following last year's High Court judgement. 

Directors of the First World War airfield announced in June that they will be sharing new proposals, which will “ensure the landmark heritage site will be restored and its long-term future secured” but also “take into consideration” the views of the planning inspector, Historic England and Mr Justice Knowles who gave a ruling in a High Court Appeal.

However, specific details of the revised plans have not yet been revealed.

The request for the review was submitted after an application was refused to build 462 homes and create a “flying hub”, complete with a heritage centre, visitor centre, restaurant, and new control tower.

The airfield and its architectural and heritage teams have been working with Historic England for the last 18 months and “the pre-application discussions with them have outlined a way forward that would protect and celebrate this historical site”.

If the new redevelopment goes through, a big part of it would be "the complete refurbishment" of the hangars on the airfield. 

Nick Baker, chairman of Laverstock and Ford Parish Council, said: "The fact that I have had concerned residents contacting me almost as soon as work began shows how much local residents value this nationally listed part of history.

"I am encouraged to hear that the owners are taking initial steps to comply with their legal responsibilities to maintain the hanger through this temporary stabilisation in consultation with Historic England.

"I hope that the new planning application we expect in the new year will finally unlock the impasse we have seen for many years with a workable proposal which secures the future of the heritage assets and creates a vibrant airfield without compromising the landscape and identity of our local communities."