Demolition of Southampton's Spitfire sheds at Ford Factory starts

Campaigners have slammed the “flawed” planning process that has allowed the demolition of the former Spitfire test sheds in Swaythling to commence.

The buildings, once used in the manufacturing of more than 8,000 aircraft during the Second World War, are being torn down.

But Spitfire Makers Charitable Trust and Eastleigh-based historian David Key had applied for the building to be granted ‘listed status’ – protecting it from demolition.

This application is currently being considered by Historic England, and a decision has not yet been made.

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“I’m extremely disappointed that this cavalier and flawed heritage system has allowed such a significant piece of history to be knocked down,” said Mr Key.

“This is a fundamental issue. Throughout the process, there have been consistently inaccurate and misleading statements.

“Whether it was intentional or non-intentional, we have just bombed our own heritage and it depresses me.

“It seems that developers in these scenarios make the arguments that they want to make, and it is impossible to argue with them.”

Alan Matlock, chairman of Spitfire Makers Charitable Trust, said he was “exceptionally sad” to see that work had begun.

“We had worked so hard to prevent this from happening,” he told the Echo, “but it seems we are too late”.

Warehouse developers Tungsten Properties are behind the scheme to build four industrial units on the land.

Unless there is a Building Preservation Notice in place, there is no reason why work should be halted while a listing application is being considered, and Southampton City Council had been notified that the application was likely to be refused.

A spokesperson explained: “Following the approval of the redevelopment of the former Ford Motor Company site the developer is now progressing with the demolition works.

"Although an official decision on the listed status of the building is outstanding, Historic England has previously advised that the building is likely to have been too altered to satisfy the listing criteria and have been kept updated regarding the works taking place on-site.

“It is on this information that the Local Planning Authority has not issued a Building Preservation Notice at this time.

“A condition of the planning permission is for the building to be recorded ahead of demolition. The method of building recording was agreed by the Local Planning Authority ahead of the commencement of demolition works. The developer has a heritage consultant on site carrying out the recording.”

The hangar was built in 1934 next to Southampton Airport where it was used by aircraft manufacturer Supermarine to test their Spitfires.

The structure then became part of the Ford Factory in the 1970s. 

Spitfire Makers is appealing for any images residents may have. 
Chairman Alan Matlock said: "It is so very important to keep these memories alive and document what is such an important part of our history. 
"We cannot quite believe how quickly the demolition happened, but this must not mean all is forgotten."
Images can be sent to this email address: spitfiremakers@btinternet.com