More Battle of Britain Heritage under threat

Bump.

More info here.

I think it worth noting that as English Heritage have completed their thematic study into aerodrome structures, it is now unlikely that any additional building will be granted listed status, unless the owner openly consents to their building/s be given statutory protection.

As I wrote in a previous message, 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.

Regarding Northolt, it’s probably too late. I was aware (four years ago) that recommendations made to grant listed status on a number of buildings on the site were blocked by the MoD. I was also aware that Defence Estates were conducting a Core Site review of MoD accommodation in the London area, which resulted in the MoD Estate London Project (MoDEL).

I think it unlikely that English Heritage can be convinced to undertake a second review of aerodrome architecture, resulting in additional buildings being recommended for statutory protection. We are effectively on our own on this one. If there is a building that you feel needs protecting, good luck.

I have also been told that the hangars at Leconfield are to be demolished.

You need to contact your local conservation officer. According to my notes, Types A and C Hangers and Watch Office at Northolt were originally recommended for Grade II statutory protection, but this recommendation was withdrawn (requested by the MoD). Buildings 13 (workshops), 27 (Operations Block), 66 and 67 (Barrack Blocks) will all be demolished.

Well just sent email to Hillingdon Council’s Conservation Officer, will let you know what responce I get. For those who might want to do the same, details below.

Peter

For technical advice regarding Listed Buildings, Conservation and Design Guidance please contact:
Charmian Baker
Principal Conservation and Urban Design Officer
Telepone:01895 277823
email: [email]cbaker@hillindgon.gov.uk[/email]

For general information relating to Conservation Areas, Areas of Special Local Character and archaeology please contact:
Sarah Drysdale
Asst. Conservation Officer
Telephone: 01895 277078 or
email: [email]sdrysdale@hillingdon.gov.uk[/email]

Bump.

I’ve created a petition at the Nr 10 Downing St website which can be accessed at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/northolt/. Maybe we can stop this industrial vandalism?

F4 Great Idea. Just signed it.

You need to contact your local conservation officer. According to my notes, Types A and C Hangers and Watch Office at Northolt were originally recommended for Grade II statutory protection, but this recommendation was withdrawn (requested by the MoD). Buildings 13 (workshops), 27 (Operations Block), 66 and 67 (Barrack Blocks) will all be demolished.

Forget about English Heritage getting involved. They’ve walked away from doing any more work/damage (depending on your point of view). How big is building 27? Perhaps it could be dismantled and moved elsewhere. Only a suggestion?

I understand that (according to the RAF News), they have already started to demolish some of the buildings. AND remember the reason why this is happening is because the MoD plan to close Uxbridge, which will also be demolished – only the underground BoB Ops Room is safe.

I always feel a topic grabs more attention whilst bobbing up and down.

I’ll sticky it if it drops off the front page

Moggy
Moderator

I’ve signed it too. Why don’t you ask the mods to put it up as a sticky?

Peter well done on the quick thinking, but their lack of response also shows a government wide lack of concern my friend. Bex

I emailed my local councillers (whos ward covers RAF Northolt) last week when this thread first appeared. Still not heard back. Says a lot for how much Hillingdon Council care.

Peter

Duly signed, come on folks get ya name on it before its too late. Its about time this country learned to look after its heritage instead of destroying it. Bex

My moniker’s on it too. Good petition subject.

Chris

Bump.

I’ve created a petition at the Nr 10 Downing St website which can be accessed at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/northolt/. Maybe we can stop this industrial vandalism?

Done. Good job, that man.

Bump.

I’ve created a petition at the Nr 10 Downing St website which can be accessed at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/northolt/. Maybe we can stop this industrial vandalism?

I believe only the Officers Mess is a listed building….?

Correct.

I have also heard that the BoB ops block is due to be demolished as well. If I recall correctly, this is building 27 close to the rear of the eastern hangar and which was in use in my day as the Rockape section building.

Have you contacted your local authority about this? Is this a listed building (if not what did EH think about it in their recent review)? Have Crown Estates sought permsission to demolish the building yet?

I believe only the Officers Mess is a listed building….?

As a local resident

Have you contacted your local authority about this? Is this a listed building (if not what did EH think about it in their recent review)? Have Crown Estates sought permsission to demolish the building yet?

Airfield architecture seems to be something that is vanishing rapidly before our very eyes.

Maybe its about time a group was set up to campaign against such vandalisism. Trouble is who would do it and I guess there is the issue. Without as all being vocal these things will continue to happen.

I remember being at Uni in the late 1990’s and spending many hpurs walking around the former RAF Tangmere. wasnt much left but there was still the concrete jet pens and also underneath a load of overgrown hedges and brambles the old U shaped fighter pens.

Does anyone know if they are all still there? Been years sice I was down there.

As a local resident and having to drive past there everyday, it’s very dishartning to see what’s being done to RAF Northolt in terms or new build (especially in the previously open area in the south-east corner) on what was an airfield that hadn’t changed much for 40-50 years….:(
But this medlling with the historic north side is even worse…..:mad:

Most cost-effective solution…..from a civvie contractor…….yeah right:diablo: If you believe that you believe in Santa Claus……

As someone who has probably worked for that civvie contractor in the past, what they really mean is the solution that makes us the most dosh, as they won’t give a fig for anything historic…….:rolleyes: