The recent fire that destroyed the historical Hangar 3 at Old Sarum airfield has raised significant concerns over Britain's heritage protection laws, particularly as it occurred shortly after a housing development was approved with a condition for the hangar's conservation. The incident has led to criticism of the government's inaction, specifically the delayed implementation of the 'Crooked House Law' aimed at protecting such structures from neglect and demolition. Local officials, heritage groups, and Historic England have voiced their disappointments over the failure to preserve this crucial wartime site.
The destruction of Hangar 3 has sparked immediate comparisons to the 2023 demolition of the Crooked House pub in Staffordshire, which led to a national outcry and the government's promise to introduce tougher legislation to protect heritage buildings.
Salisbury City Council's Planning Committee expressed strong criticism following the collapse of Hangar 3 during Storm Isha: 'The collapse of Hangar 3 at Old Sarum Airfield is a disaster long predicted by those who have been campaigning to save this Grade II listed wartime survivor.'
Our heritage protection systems have failed abjectly in their duty to ensure its preservation despite years of pleading by aviation enthusiasts such as the group SOS - Save Old Sarum.
Historic England has been actively involved in efforts to preserve the hangar and expressed concern over its deteriorating condition:â 'We remain disappointed with the deteriorating condition of the Grade II listed Hangar at Old Sarum.'
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