Is Duxford and other Buildings of Aviation Interest Listed?

Hello Phillip

Are you saying in part of your text that once English Heritage (EH) did a survey of the buildings at Driffield and other aerodromes and as a result EH decided not to list a particular building, then the building which was not listed by EH could not be considered again for listing and/or that the owner could also use the EH Survey against future requests for listing of that building?

When EH first looked at RAF West Raynham (preferred over RAF Driffield), the MoD stated they didn’t want West Raynham included in a list of recommendations contained in a draft report published in 2000. As a result of these objects made by the MoD, West Raynham was removed. On most sites only a few buildings were recommended for listed status, but site like West Raynham and Bicester most of the buildings were recommended for listed status.

However, now that West Raynham has been sold off there is nothing to stop EH from reinstating its original recommendations. However, the land owner can secure a COI or Certificate of Immunity preventing a building from being listed.

At Driffield EH walked away from Driffield stating they could not recommend that any of the buildings be listed, even though it was declared a close second to RAF West Raynham. EH should have gone back to Driffield and made an effort to include Driffield but decided not to. In recent times I have tried to secure listed status for the buildings, but both EH refused to support my requested for list status, while the local conservation officer refused to get involved due to the commercial nature of the site, which was being sold. I understand that the hangars are safe for the time being.

The response from EH to my letter reproduced above was cryptic to say the least. They are adamant that their work is done, yet they have admitted to me in the past that they are currently looking at a control tower in the New Forest (at the former RAF Ibsley) that does not appear on the thematic review.

I could probably of put that question better, but would be interested to know, as I am trying to get two buildings of historical interest listed in my village, one EH have surveyed and a Report with their recommendations is going to the Secretary of State. However the other building, our village pub, which changed hands in 1746 and obviously existed before then, I was having difficulty to get the building listed with my 200 year old history in my original application.

Because I now have the earlier history back to 1746 and more information since my initial listing application, EH advise that the listing application can be reconsidered because of new information. Also I spoke to a Heritage Advisor and she recommended making a fresh application with all the information I have relating to the building and appeal if listing is turned down again.

Regards Mark

Don’t give up. Has your pub been altered to any great extent? Try your local council’s conservation team. They can do wonders. More later through PM.

These pages give a good idea as to what EH have been/are up to:
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.1298

and a list of ‘key’ sites: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/upload/pdf/management_guidance_annex_3.pdf

I have seen a list of what’s listed somewhere but it eludes me at the moment – sorry guys, I’ll try and find it and link to/post it. One thing I have found strange is that many of the sites on that list IIRC are either expnasion period airfields (nothing wrong with that) or Cold War structures (or that either). However, duration (or hosilities) only airfields (i.e constructed between say 1940/41 to 1945) never seem to get a look in. It would be nice to see buildings of representative types from a selection of airfields of this period considered. There are a few nice parachute stores aorund, various designs of Ops Blocks, some nice T2 and B1 hangars (or the A Types at Catfoss for example); the list could go on and if it’s been done and I’ve missed it I apologise but it’s not that easy to find. The following document gives a goodoverview of EH (and others) work for 1994-2004. http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/upload/pdf/militaryreviewofprogress.pdf

Chris

Lost Aviation and Historical Sites

I also note one of the runways at Wellesbourne Airfield has been partially built over with industrial units, since I left the village in 1993.

Yes I accept it is difficult to save buildings of historical interest in your locality and I also note that it is impossible to get many listed. Even though some, like those at West Raynham were proposed to be listed, I understand that the listing of the airfield buildings was blocked by the landowner.

Sadly it seems that many historic buildings of all types will end up like they have in many towns, built over by 20th century and now future 21st century developments.

But we need to keep fighting and hopefully more buildings will be saved, than if we did nothing at all. You will fight for some and lose (I know the feeling only too well), but you will also get some triumphs hopefully too.

At the end of the day it is down to big money and unfortunately most property developers are either awash with money, or can obtain it at banks.

Mark

only the gate house and the original office block are still standing.

Here are some dark shots taken a couple of nights ago…

We tried this at Lasham to get the control tower preserved – unfortunately the airfield manager (since sacked I am glad to say) decided to demolish it before any protection was obtained.

What was to be gained by such an act of vandalism? The building appeared to be in good condition prior to demolition…. http://www.controltowers.co.uk/L/Lasham.htm

We tried this at Lasham to get the control tower preserved – unfortunately the airfield manager (since sacked I am glad to say) decided to demolish it before any protection was obtained.

Preservation and Heritage

Hello Phillip

Are you saying in part of your text that once English Heritage (EH) did a survey of the buildings at Driffield and other aerodromes and as a result EH decided not to list a particular building, then the building which was not listed by EH could not be considered again for listing and/or that the owner could also use the EH Survey against future requests for listing of that building?

I could probably of put that question better, but would be interested to know, as I am trying to get two buildings of historical interest listed in my village, one EH have surveyed and a Report with their recommendations is going to the Secretary of State. However the other building, our village pub, which changed hands in 1746 and obviously existed before then, I was having difficulty to get the building listed with my 200 year old history in my original application.

Because I now have the earlier history back to 1746 and more information since my initial listing application, EH advise that the listing application can be reconsidered because of new information. Also I spoke to a Heritage Advisor and she recommended making a fresh application with all the information I have relating to the building and appeal if listing is turned down again.

Regards Mark

Checkout: http://www.driffieldaerodrome.co.uk/heritage/english-heritage-pages/english-heritage01.htm and http://www.driffieldaerodrome.co.uk/heritage/english-heritage-pages/English-Heritage02.htm which detail a number of buildings recommended and subsequently granted listed status. IF your beloved building in not on the list then your probably screwed, as I wrote in a recent email to English Heritage:

Thematic Study into Military Aviation Sites and Structures

Dear English Heritage

I’m writing concerning the “Thematic Study into Military Aviation Sites and Structures” as conducted by English Heritage. As you maybe aware this resulted in a number of key buildings on various aerodromes being granted statutory protection in late 2005.

Since 1996 I have personally campaigned to see former RAF Driffield (East Riding of Yorkshire) preserved, this without funding or the support from various bodies entrusted to protect our heritage.

In recent months a number of individuals have contacted me, with regards to their own endeavours, to save their local aerodrome or associated buildings from being demolished and/or redeveloped.

My response has been to advise them to write letters to local planning and conservation officers, the local media and English Heritage. After much debate, the biggest problems to face our aerodrome heritage it appears are the aforementioned “Thematic Study into Military Aviation Sites and Structures” (more anon) and the MoD’s insistence on generating the maximum income the from the sale of surplus land and properties – this usually through the “clawback provision”. However, this letter only pertains to the aforementioned “Thematic Study into Military Aviation Sites and Structures” and its after-effects.

Most planners, civil servants and politicians are of the opinion that the “Thematic Study into Military Aviation Sites and Structures” and its recommendations was fully comprehensive in its nature – leaving no stone unturned. Most assume (wrongly) that if an aerodrome or structure wasn’t on your list of recommendations then it wasn’t important enough to be saved from being redeveloped (demolished).

English Heritage’s thematic study, while protecting a number of key buildings, is also being used to block additional work that needs to be done. Both the Government (local and central) and English Heritage can and have used this thematic study to “prove” their commitment to our aerodrome heritage, but NOT beyond what has already been done. Yet, there are scores of important buildings that were omitted, while desperate individuals (like myself) who are trying to save our local aeronautical heritage, need the support that only statutory protection will provide. We feel let down. Other sites (apart from Driffield) of comparable importance also omitted from your Thematic Study include RAF Newton, RAF Kirton on Lindsey and RAF Church Fenton. The remaining structures at RAF Tangmere warrant statutory protection – this being a former Battle of Britain aerodrome.

Accordingly, I write to request that English Heritage release a statement, declaring that while the statutory protection given to numerous buildings pertaining to its thematic study was an important step, the list of structures championed by English Heritage was not inclusive.

In recent weeks I have been in contact with individuals who are trying to save parts of RAF Church Fenton (North Yorkshire) and RAF Tangmere (Sussex). These individuals (like me) feel let down by the system. Accordingly, we feel that while English Heritage might not be able to assist directly, a statement from English Heritage, reiterating that the aforementioned thematic study should not be seen as the definitive list, would go a long way in helping us “amateurs” save our own (local) aeronautical heritage.

Accordingly, I look forward to your reply

Yours Sincerely

Phillip Rhodes
www.driffieldaerodrome.co.uk

The response from them has been mixed…

the gate house and the original office block are still standing and they are so derelict that I would imagine that they will be gone soon.

Good news Gordon, the gatehouse is under renovation and was starting to look much better last week (although it is going to be a branch of KFC!). Extensive renovations are due to start shortly on the old office building as its going to become a Police HQ.

I drove past the site that used to be be Hatfield aerodrome last week and was very saddened. What appeared to be little more than random haphazard development all over the aerodrome. The 1950s design offices are all gone, the power station and all the pre-war hangars gone, only the gate house and the original office block are still standing and they are so derelict that I would imagine that they will be gone soon.

Oddly enough I drove around Stag Lane in August – the factory was there in the 1980s but it too has disappeared under new housing.

We’re very lucky. The old terminal at Speke airport is a listed building and the original apron has a conservation order on it stating that it may only be used for the purpose for which it was built – suits us just fine!

Something I need to check on though (since I know little about such things) is that I believe there was a conservation ruling stating that the view from the terminal out across the river mersey may not be impeded. Is such a ruling possible? Anyone with more knowledge than I care to respond?

I will look at the english heritage option – the more we can do to reinforce the heritage of these sites the more chance we have of stopping greedy developers or short-sighted councils destroying them.

As Observer points out – ANYONE can make a difference here, just get off your ar5e and do it!

Roy.

As many of the buildings at DX that are ever likely to get listed, are listed (the Belfasts, the OM, possibly the Ops Block and others?). It doesn’t afford as much protection as you might think either.

The more buildings listed the better

Regarding Buildings, the more buildings listed the better.

Regarding getting any Buildings listed, it is worth bearing in mind that listing with English Heritage should afford more protection than the Local Authorities ‘Local List’.

I believe a Local Authority was known to remove a building on their ‘Local List’, so English Heritage (national listing) I believe is better and you have the right of a written Appeal to the Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport if refused or removed from listing (delisted), which is quite easy to do.

I hope the hangers you mention are listed with English Heritage!

Mark

I think I am right in saying that the Duxford Belfast hangers are already on the preservation list.
however it would be good to see some of the other structures added also