Plans to replace a polytunnel hanger with a permanent structure to house two of 22 light aircraft at a remote spot on the North Wessex Downs near Ogbourne St George have been rejected by Wiltshire Council.
Despite assurances from JHP Farming that there was no intention to increase the use of the Lower Upham Farm Airfield, which is in an area of Outstanding Beauty, the council’s eastern area committee refused planning consent.
Twenty four letters of support had been received and there was no objection to the new dual-purpose hanger from the CPRE or Ogbourne St George Parish Council.
But there were also 15 letters of objection, one submitted on behalf of 21 people, who protested that the new hanger would harm the landscape and was also “an attempt to surreptitiously expand the existing business” and would attract more commercialisation.
“That underlying suspicion that the new hanger was part of a much bigger project seems to be the reason why the committee refused permission,” said Marlborough councillor Nick Fogg, who sits on the area planning committee. “Local people weren’t filled with confidence that just replacing the polytunnel hanger was the sole use for creating it.”
He added: “It will be up to the applicant to appeal – it would be a big effort for not a lot. It would be easier if the organisation had made their intentions much clearer.”
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