A MAJOR part of Southampton’s history could be demolished as part of plans to transform the former Ford factory.

Last month, warehouse developers Tungsten Properties applied to build four industrial units on the site in Swaythling.

But, currently on the proposed area in Wide Lane are flight test sheds which were used in the manufacturing more than 8,000 Spitfire aircraft during the Second World War.

Planning documents have revealed that if approved by Southampton City Council (SCC) next month, these structures would be demolished.

A report written on behalf of SCC’s Archaeology Department says: “The conservation officer will comment on the significance of the former aircraft hangar, and the acceptability or otherwise of its demolition.

The report recommends that if the application is approved, an archaeological record of the building should be made “prior to and perhaps during demolition”.

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

However, concern has now been raised over the historical importance of the flight sheds and their potential demolition.

Alan Jones, director of Southampton’s Solent Sky Museum said the move would represent “a stain on the character of the city”.

Writing on behalf of the museum’s trustees, he said: “By 1945 and the end of WW2 over 8,000 Spitfires were built [at the flight test sheds] by the people of Southampton, whose efforts in the face of great danger, contributed greatly to the defeat of the Nazi regime and the ending of the war.

“The flight test sheds are the most important buildings associated with the Spitfire in the world and if Southampton City Council allow these buildings to be demolished it will be a stain on the character of the city.”

Another public comment left by David Key, said the demolition would be “an insult to the heritage of our nation and an insult to the men and women who worked there throughout the war.”

“This is our last direct link to Southampton’s Spitfires,” he added.

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. SCC is due to make a decision next month.