5 March 2026
The High Court has dismissed Wiltshire Council’s application for planning statutory review of the Old Sarum planning case.
Mrs Justice Lang said, “In my view, there is no external injustice or unfairness which vitiates the Inspector’s decision.
“The Inspector’s decision is valid and is unaffected by the fire and its consequences. There is a satisfactory way forward, namely, by utilising statutory planning procedures to develop the Site.”
The judge also noted, “The unnecessary delay caused by this claim is regrettable.”
The plan for the airfield is to build a limited number of houses around the site but flying would continue. The plans can be seen on Old Sarum’s website (link below).
Grenville Hodge, Director of Old Sarum Airfield said, “We are delighted with the outcome of the High Court judgment (3rd March, Mrs Justice Lang DBE), although this action by Wiltshire Council should never have been brought forward in the first place and certainly should not have proceeded to a full Hearing in the High Court.
“Our intentions remain completely focused on protecting the airfield and heritage assets and ensuring a long term sustainable future for Old Sarum Airfield.
“I do hope that Wiltshire Council can now work positively with us to deliver the restoration of the hangar and the wide ranging heritage benefits across the airfield, as well as provide much needed housing and wider community benefits on this allocated site.
“The judgement is very clear, and we are looking forward to working proactively with Wiltshire Council to bring forward the previously approved development plans.”
Hangar 3 at Old Sarum Airfield before the fire on 17 April 2025. Photo: FLYER
FLYER contacted Wiltshire County Council for a comment.
Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said, “We have received the High Court’s judgment on the Old Sarum Airfield planning appeal, originally allowed by the Planning Inspectorate in April 2025.
“The approved plans included several conditions, one of which required the repair of Hangar 3, a listed building on the site. However, shortly after the appeal decision was issued, Hangar 3 was badly damaged by fire. Because this damage changed the circumstances of the proposal, the Council challenged the appeal decision, arguing that the scheme could no longer be delivered as approved.
“The High Court’s judgment, received on 3 March 2026, did not support the Council’s legal challenge. This means the Inspectorate’s April 2025 appeal decision and the associated planning permission remain in place.
“We are very disappointed with this outcome and will now carefully consider our next steps.”
