AN APPLICATION to halt the demolition of sheds used to build Spitfires during the Second World War has been submitted, as efforts to save the structures continue.

Southampton City Council has confirmed a Building Preservation Notice had been made for the sheds on Wide Lane on behalf of trustees of Solent Sky Museum.

Daily Echo: Eastleigh Airport 1953 (Flight Test Shed circled)Eastleigh Airport 1953 (Flight Test Shed circled)

If approved, a six-month order would be placed on the landowner to halt the demolition of a non-listed structure which has “special architectural or historical significance”.

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A spokesperson for Historic England has confirmed that sheds were considered for listing in the late 1990s, but was not put forward as they “did not meet the criteria for listing.”

Daily Echo: Spitfire aircraft tested at Eastleigh Airport during WW2. Credit: The Spitfire Makers Charitable TrustSpitfire aircraft tested at Eastleigh Airport during WW2. Credit: The Spitfire Makers Charitable Trust

It was concluded that the hangar “did not have the special architectural or historic interest needed for listing in a national context.”

As reported, the site in Swaythling, which previously housed the old Ford factory, is subject to an ongoing planning application by warehouse developer Tungsten Properties, to build four industrial units on the site.

If approved, the sheds - which Director of Solent Sky Museum Alan Jones previously described as “the most important buildings associated with the Spitfire in the world”, will be demolished, according to planning documents submitted to the council.

Daily Echo: Supermarine workers' coats inside the Flight Test Shed, Eastleigh Airport during WW2. Credit: The Spitfire Makers Charitable TrustSupermarine workers' coats inside the Flight Test Shed, Eastleigh Airport during WW2. Credit: The Spitfire Makers Charitable Trust

In these same documents, Ford Motor Company has been listed as the owner of the site, however when approached by the Echo, a spokesperson confirmed that they have now sold the property. They refused the identify the buyer.

Daily Echo: Flight Test Sheds, Wide Lane, present day (Google Maps)Flight Test Sheds, Wide Lane, present day (Google Maps)

Tungsten Properties did not reply to requests for clarification.

A Change.org petition to save the shed, launched by the Spitfire Makers Charitable Trust has gained more than four thousand signatures.

Its chair Alan Matlock said: “[The shed] is part of the heritage of this city, the country and indeed the world. The men and women who worked inside it during WWII deserve to be commemorated.”

Daily Echo: Spitfire planes at Eastleigh Airport during WW2. Credit: The Spitfire Makers Charitable TrustSpitfire planes at Eastleigh Airport during WW2. Credit: The Spitfire Makers Charitable Trust