Agreement to "maximise potential" of Britain's most intact First World War aerodrome Stow Maries

This article originally appeared on Culture24.

It boasts 24 evocative Grade II listed buildings, now Britain's most intact First World War aerodrome is to benefit from a new planning agreement

Stow Maries, the remarkably intact First Word War Aerodrome in Essex which was saved from dereliction by campaigners and a Lottery grant in 2013, has become the first listed site to sign a Listed Building Heritage Partnership Agreement (LBHPA) in England.

The agreement, signed between English Heritage, Maldon District Council and the Trustees of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, means the historic military airfield in Purleigh, Near Maldon, Essex, will benefit from simplified Listed Building Consent (LBC) reducing the level of information the trust is required to submit.

Jeremy Lucas, Chairman of the Trustees said they were “thrilled by the support” they are now receiving from English Heritage, Maldon District Council and other public bodies as they begin the task of sympathetically restoring the atmospheric site.

“This helpful Agreement will enable us to maximise the potential of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome,” he added, “reducing the need for repetitive applications for Listed Building Consent, allowing effective conservation and maintenance of this uniquely important heritage site and memorial to the First World War.

“This is especially welcome and timely during the “four year centenary" commemorations.”

Established by the Royal Flying Corps in response to the bombing raids of German Zeppelins and Gotha bombers, Stow Maries was home to 37 Squadron during the First World War and was one of the first bases set up for the home defence of English skies

Today it boasts 24 original Grade II listed Royal Flying Corps operation buildings. These atmospheric spaces include the original officers’ mess, pilots’ ready room, barracks and a blacksmiths.

The new scheme, which will be used to help sympathetically preserve them, was approved by legislation in April 2014 and is designed to speed up the often complex planning application process.

At Stow Maries it will allow agreed consented works for “the conservative repair” of the 24 listed buildings and structures for a 10 year period.

As well as acknowledging the need for some renewal of component parts of the construction and reinstatement of lost architectural features the agreement is designed to deliberately avoid over-restoration and wholesale replacement of original fabric and details.

Find out more about the work of the Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome Turst at www.fosma.co.uk

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Source: http://www.culture24.org.uk//history-and-heritage/military-history/first-world-war/art505336-britains-most-intact-first-world-war-aerodrome-stow-maries-signs-agreement-to-maximise-potential