Plans filed for the demolition of three hangars at an historic Barrow Aerodrome

Plans have been filed with Westmorland and Furness Council for the demolition of three hangars at an historic Barrow Aerodrome.

The proposal, lodged by Texas-based Bristow Group, asked for permission from the council to remove three single-storey hangers, a Portakabin and a shipping container.

In the planning statement, prepared by Edinburgh-based Calton Planning and Development Ltd, it said Bristow Group is a “leading global provider” of “vertical flight solutions”.

They also propose the “erection of a storage shed with apron and taxi route to runway, access, parking and associated infrastructure”.

The site of the project is an unoccupied area of the active Walney Aerodrome, Walney Island. The aerodrome was used extensively by the RAF during the Second World War.

According to the planning statement, Bristow Group sought advice “on the basis of the proposed development for the erection of a seasonal base hangar”.

The statement also reads: “The proposal will provide an important light industrial use for the airfield before eventual conversion to an emergency services search and rescue facility”.

Any conversion would have to be considered under a separate planning application.

Along with the destruction of the three metal hangars, the concrete stabs, foundations and hardships will be “broken up and passed through a concrete crusher”.

The planning statement states that, if approved, the development would contribute “positively to the continued function and adaptation of the general aviation airfield”.

The consultation period for demolition started on 19 August and is scheduled to end 11 September.