One of the problems with EH listing status is that it does not actually protect the buildings, it merely guides planning authorities in approving or preventing development.

There is barely any legal pressure on the owners of Listed Buildings to maintain them in servicable condition and sometimes they are merely left to deteriorate until demolition is the only option.

One typical case is the former RAF Bicester. The technical area, managed by Defence Estates, is listed by English Heritage as being one of the most original, complete sets of buildings making up an early WW11 ‘expansion era’ aerodrome. It is authentic still down to having its 1940 air raid shelters and AA emplacements.

It has however received the bare minimum of ‘care and maintenance’ over the past 20 or so years. It seems D.E. won’t allow anyone access to survey the current state of the buildings, but that fact that there is allegedly a tree growing through the roof of one of the early 1930s hangars, perhaps says it all!

The good news is that the rest of the airfield is being kept in good order by Windrushers Gliding Club. Hopefully someone will come along who can help save the rest!