Almost 50k signatures to save Spitfire shed in Southampton

The petition to preserve the shed on Wide Lane, Swaythling was launched by Spitfire Makers Charitable Trust and as of August 24 the petition had just over 2,500 signatures, but now, that number has risen to 46,966.

The shed is currently subject to the approval of an ongoing planning application by Warehouse Developers Tungsten Properties to build four industrial units on the site.

But campaigners argue that the building should be preserved because it is where “almost every one of the vital Spitfires that fought in the Battle of Britain was delivered”.

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In a recent statement, Spitfire Makers said: “We’ve had an amazing response to the petition to Save the Original Spitfire Flight Shed.

“It has been great to hear so many supportive comments on the petition and to have been approached directly by several key individuals who want to help us see a successful outcome to this protest.”

But local leaders have hailed the news of the development on the 6.6 acre site as it is predicted to bring 100 jobs to the area.

Cllr Lorna Fielker told the Echo: “I welcome the new jobs that will be brought to Swaythling as a result of the redevelopment of this site but am sad that the proposals remove this physical link with the Spitfire.

“I agree that it is part of the heritage of this city, the country and urge the developers to work with the Solent Sky Museum and Spitfire Makers Charitable Trust to find a way in which the history of this building can be preserved.”

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Spitfire Flight Shed, Wide Lane. Credit: Solent Sky Museum

Another Swaythling ward councillor, Spiros Vassiliou added: “It is regrettable that the Spitfire Sheds cannot be saved due to there being no protected status on them.

“If planning permission is however granted we as a Council have put an approval condition that requires archaeological structural recording of the site to ensure that the recording of this significant structure takes place prior to the development.”

The building was previously considered for listing in the late 1990s but was not put forward because it didn’t meet the criteria for listing.

Leader of the council, Daniel Fitzhenry said: “I very much understand people’s concern and feeling of loss of our history relating to the proposed re-development of the shed.

“Unfortunately the site has never been protected or listed and so we can only do what we can do within the rules that we have.

“But, we are incredibly proud of our heritage and that’s why we brought forward the plan for the spitfire memorial project at Mayflower Park.”