Image supplied by Stuart Emmerson

RAF Bentley Priory is famous for its association with the Battle of Britain when it became the headquarters of Bomber Command and played a significant role during the Second World War. This important building dates to 1776 with significant later work by Sir John Soane and is listed at grade II*. It sits within a grade II registered park and garden of historic interest located in the metropolitan green belt.

The Royal Air Force station closed on 30 May 2008 as part of a wider Ministry of Defence programme of site closures within the Greater London area. Given the sensitivity and special interest of the site and building the local planning authority decided to pre-empt its closure by commissioning the preparation of a site specific supplementary planning document. This adopted document has subsequently provided the framework for consideration and determination of proposals for conversion and redevelopment of the site, retaining part of the house as a museum, run by the Bentley Priory Battle of Britain Trust.

Services Provided
DPP were commissioned to provide planning and heritage advice regarding the opportunities and constraints for future use of this historic site, liaising with all relevant national and local key stakeholder groups. We produced a supplementary planning document (SPD) identifying opportunities for appropriate development whilst respecting the site’s historical associations and special interest along with the views of stakeholder groups and local people.

The site was sensitive to potential development not only in building and landscape heritage terms but also in relation to ecology and its green belt designation. A range of planning and specialist heritage skills were required to understand and interpret the planning and heritage potential of the site. Furthermore, a pro-active approach to public consultation and stakeholder involvement was necessary to secure support for the site’s future.

Achievements
The SPD was adopted by the local planning authority in September 2007, ensuring that guidelines for potential development of the site were well in place by the time the RAF vacated the premises. The subsequent permission for conversion and redevelopment of the site was considered within the framework of the SPD.