An investigation has been launched after a devastating fire destroyed a Grade II listed aircraft hangar just days after permission was given to build hundreds of homes on the site.
The historic building that was built by First World War German prisoners of war was on the verge of being restored following years of neglect.
Last week a government planning inspector controversially approved plans for more than 300 homes to be built at the Old Sarum airfield near Salisbury but only on condition Hangar 3 be conserved.
Aerial photographs today show there is now nothing left of the aircraft hangar that was on Historic England's At Risk Register following the fire that happened at 6.30pm last night.
There are fears the fire was started deliberately with police and fire investigators examining the charred scene at the airfield, which played key roles in both World Wars.
Although the derelict building had been fenced off, photos taken last week show gaps in it for anyone to access the site.
The airfield is operated by Old Sarum Airfield Ltd, which recently gained planning permission to build 315 homes and commercial and leisure facilities on the site after a drawn-out planning inquiry, which began in February.
The condition of the hangar was a crucial element in discussions during the inquiry, alongside how the planned developments would affect historical sites.
On April 9, when the government’s Planning Inspectorate released its decision granting planning permission, they stated that one of the conditions for this approval was that only 160 residences would be allowed to house occupants untilHangar 3 underwent necessary repair work.
A representative from theSave Old Sarumaction committee, who have been advocating against the development proposals for homes and pushingforHangar 3’s renovation,said:'Weare deeply disheartenedand sorrowful followingthe blazeatHangar 3 along with the café atOld Sarum.'
'We commend the quick action taken by the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service in controlling the blaze.'
It is acknowledged that the activists might request a reassessment of the approval given to developers to construct homes since the historically significant structure that was supposed to be restored no longer exists.
The director of the airfield said he is 'devastated' by the fire and hopes he hasn't 'lost' the building.
Grenville Hodge, who leads the Old Sarum airfield, expressed his deep sorrow stating, "We are utterly heartbroken. We had just won the planning appeal, and our immediate plan was to fix the hangar. This situation seems surreal. Fingers crossed; we have not lost everything."
Old Sarum is one of the oldest operational airfields in the country and has three Grade II listed hangars which were built in 1917.
In the Second World War, it served as a training ground for army personnel learning how to fly after significant RAF casualties during the Battle of Britain.
Hangar 3 at Old Sarum Airfield is currently engulfed in flames this evening. The blaze has spread to neighboring structures, including Go Skydive and the Hangar 3 café. We will provide more updates as they become available. https://www.salisburyradio.co.uk/news/local-news/large-fire-at-old-sarum-airfield/
Posted by Salisbury Radio On Thursday, the 17th of April, 2025.
Today, aviation historian Andy Saunders stated: "This airfield holds significant importance as part of Britain’s aviation legacy, having been utilized since the First World War, featuring a distinctive collection of original structures from that era."
Sadly, in recent years, at least one of the wooden trussed hangars has been permitted to deteriorate.
The Belfast Truss Hangar 3 was put on Historic England's At Risk Register in 2020, but in January 2024 Storm Isha caused a partial collapse.
At the time campaigners described it as 'demolition through dereliction of duty'.
But in granting the housing scheme permission, planning inspector Nick Fagen said he did not accept there had been deliberate neglect of the hangar by the owners.
He added that no advantage has been gained by them it had neglected Hangar 3 as much more rebuilding work is now required than before it fell into a state of disrepair.
The fire service said Hangar 3 had partially collapsed and the flames had engulfed the adjacent restaurant and café.
Paul McAuliffe, 54, and wife Svonne, 52, were sat outside the site at around 6.30pm when the fire started.
Mrs McAuliffe stated: "One of us glanced over and saw grey smoke emerging from the hangar."
'He (Paul) ran into the kitchen and told them the hangar was on fire. We've all had to stand and watch the hangar.
'The roof collapsed, and then the doors came down, and brought the brick walls down with it. It's absolutely gutting.'
Eloise Moore and her sister were alerted to the fire after their parents spotted the smoke.
'I'm so devastated about the recent blaze that happened at the hangar earlier today', she said.
'This was my first time experiencing a fire on this scale, and as a teenager, it will definitely stay with me for a long time.
'We were absolutely flabbergasted and was eager to keep up to date with every news story and followed the live found on your page.
'I hope the fire can be resolved and I have tons of gratitude towards the police and fire departments.'
Taking place right now at the Old Sarum airfield. In an instant, companies and people’s means of living might be reduced to ashes. Update: Both GoSkydive Old Sarum and Hangar 3 are under threat—we're presently organizing a human chain to move all equipment out of GoSkydive. Multiple fire trucks have arrived at the location. Update: Hangar 3 has been completely obliterated by the blaze.
Posted by Roger Leggard on Thursday, April 17, 2025
Yesterday, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service issued a warning to nearby inhabitants stating: "Given the uncertainty regarding hazardous substances, kindly remain indoors and ensure your windows are shut to prevent exposure to the smoke."
A representative from Wiltshire Police stated: "We are seeking witnesses after a significant blaze occurred at the Old Sarum airfield."
The blaze erupted shortly after 6 pm within the partly ruined World War II-era hangars. Both of these hangars along with the Hangar 3 café were completely obliterated, while an adjacent structure housing another enterprise suffered severe damage.
An inquiry has been launched to determine the origin of the blaze, and we aim to talk with anybody who was nearby just prior to when the fire broke out.
Should you be able to assist with our investigations, kindly reach out to us at 101 mentioning log number 262 from yesterday’s date (17/04). Alternatively, you may choose to remain anonymous and get in touch with Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111.
We kindly request that members of the public maintain a safe distance from the impacted zone as the police and firefighters carry on with their investigation.
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