12 C O N T E X T 1 2 2 : N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1 viable re-use. Finding appropriate solutions requires cooperation and joint working between diverse interests and organisations. The handling of designation applications on these sites can be challenging for both English Heritage and the MoD, especially when they affect plans for disposal or redevelopment.This highlights the need for prompt and expert advice on the historic character and significance of these sites, including advice on broad planning issues as well as designation. Fortunately, good relations are maintained, aided by the in-house conservation staff in the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and English Heritage’s Government Historic Estates Unit. The extent of mutual co-operation is recorded in the biennial conservation reports produced by both organisations 4. Case studies Aldershot Urban Extension Currently, the Aldershot Urban Extension in Hampshire is the single largest disposal on the MoD estate. In February 2011 a developer partner was selected to create a major new development of around 4,500 homes and community facilities on surplus military land.There are plans for a mixed-use residential scheme of around 4,500 homes, and community facilities, schools, local centres and leisure facilities. Work will include the restoration and conversion of the Cambridge Military Hospital, listed Grade II, which is a landmark building. The site includes several other listed buildings and memorials, and is designated as a conservation area. RAF Bentley Priory, Stanmore The site of RAF Bentley Priory was acquired by the RAF in the 1920s and remained in military use until 2008. It was sold by the MoD in January 2011. The house has a complex building history dating back to the 1760s, with later phases designed by Sir John Soane, Robert Smirke and other architects. It is listed Grade II*, and the surrounding gardens and grounds are registered Grade II.The site has added national significance as the headquarters of Fighter Command during the second world war. Plans have been approved for change of use of the mansion to residential use, with a museum dedicated to Bentley Priory’s role in the Battle of Britain occupying the principal rooms. Permission was also granted for the demolition of various military buildings in the grounds and for new residential development. A public appeal to raise funds for the museum was launched by the Prince ofWales in September 2011. RAF Uxbridge This site of RAF Uxbridge was acquired at the end of the first world war and developed as a major armaments training school. A cinema building, barracks and other structures survive from this period. It became a recruit-training centre for the RAF in the 1920s. The underground bunker of 1938 (listed Grade I) contains the group operations room, from where 11 Group Fighter Command was commanded during the Battle of Britain. The site was developed in the grounds of Hillingdon House, which still stands (listed Grade II). RAF Uxbridge closed in 2010 and has been transferred to the MoD’s private-sector partner, which is taking forward plans for a mixed-use development. It has been decided to retain the bunker in MoD ownership. Woolwich Arsenal The 31-hectare (77-acre)Woolwich Arsenal site on the south bank of theThames retains 22 listed buildings and structures ranging in date from 1696 to 1856. In 1997 English Partnerships acquired the site from the MoD, with a £25 million dowry to fund decontamination and building repairs. Most of the historic buildings have now been repaired and brought back into residential and other uses. Further phases of development are planned in accord with an agreed master plan. In total, more than 2,000 new homes have been created. 1 www.mod.uk/ defenceinternet/aboutdefence/whatwedo/ policystrategyandplanning/SDSR/ strategicdefenceandsecurityreviewsdsr.htm 2 The Disposal of Heritage Assets: guidance note for government departments and non-departmental public bodies, English Heritage 2010 www. english-heritage. org.uk/publications/ disposal-heritage-assets 3 For English Heritage’s work on military heritage see Twentiethcentury Military Sites: current approaches to their recording and conservation English Heritage, 2003 and www.english-heritage. org.uk/professional/ research/landscapesand-areas/characterisation/military-heritage . 4 MOD Heritage Report 2009–2011, Defence Infrastructure Organisation, 2011 andBiennial Conservation Report on the Government Historic Estate 2007–09, English Heritage, 2010.The latter can be viewed as a pdf at www.helm. org.uk/server/show/ nav.19660 . Will Holborow is head of the Government Historic Estates Unit, English Heritage
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