A building once used to test wartime Spitfires is set to be demolished.
The so-called “Flight Shed” on land off Wide Lane, near Southampton Airport is to be knocked down to make way for new industrial units.
The decision taken by Southampton councillors comes as planners said the building is not listed and the new development would create up to 257 new jobs.
“Huge loss” to the city.
However, campaigners described the move as a “huge loss” to the city.
It comes as almost 50,000 people signed the Spitfire Makers Charitable Trust’s petition calling for the building to be saved.
On Tuesday night Alan Matlock , chair of the trust, asked the Planning and Rights of Way Panel at Southampton City Council not to allow demolition of the Flight Shed and “to raise awareness of its significance”.
Speaking on behalf of Aviation Heritage UK, Julian Temple added,
“We must all work together to find an acceptable solution.”
Altered too much for official listing
Official documents published last week revealed that the shed contributed to the testing and assembly of the Spitfire in Southampton.
But it was also confirmed that Historic England indicated that the building has been “too altered to satisfy the listing criteria”.
Redevelopment would create 100s of jobs
James Hicks, speaking on behalf Carbide Properties Limited which tabled the plans, said,
“The advice is that it is not suitable for listing. The building has been extensively modified.”
He also stressed that the redevelopment of the site – which would see four new industrial units and 112 parking spaces – would create hundreds of jobs.
Other demolitions
It comes as other existing buildings near the Flight Shed are also set to be demolished as part of the scheme.
A planning officer told members that the Spitfire is “iconic” and “it’s clear” that it is “important to the people of Southampton and nationally”.
But he added that planners have to consider the application “as it stands” and stressed that the building is not listed.
Savage: Once it’s gone it’s gone
Panel member Cllr John Savage voted against the proposals and said,
“There’s pressure on us to get this right. It’s difficult. I think we need to go the extra mile. There’s an enormous amount of emotional value. Once it’s gone it’s gone.”
The rest of the panel voted in favour of the plans and approved conditions asking to secure building recording and the installation of panels illustrating the history of the site.
Matlock: Most significant connection with the Spitfire lost
After the meeting Mr Matlock said to be “disappointed” with the decision taken.
He added,
“It means that the most significant connection and physical building that Southampton has with the Spitfire will be lost. It is a huge huge loss to the city.”
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is part of. Read here to find about more about how that scheme works on the Island. Some alterations and additions may have been made by News OnTheWight. Ed
Image: © with kind permission of Heritage Flights
