Short-term barracks set for approval

Catterick airfield opened in 1914 as a Royal Flying Corps training school. But after the Second World War the runway could not be extended for the jet age because it is bounded by the A1 and the River Swale. Hence, it retained its wartime ambience.

Now planning consent is sought for a two-storey block at Catterick Airfield, near Richmond, to accommodate personnel just about to be sent overseas.

The 72-bedsit rooms, plus communal areas, would allow servicemen and women to rest at Marne Barracks until their transport was available.

Normally, there would be limited planning concerns about the scheme because it is hidden away "behind the wire" of the existing base.

Because it is a short-term development only intended to remain for five years, it would be built out of pre-constructed modular units in a U-shape in the north eastern part of the Barracks,

But Richmondshire District Council officers are concerned the proposed structure would be severely out of kilter with the existing pitched-roof airfield buildings held in such high regard by English Heritage.

Planners are recommending approval for the Lock Walk site but only for the five-year period that the military says the accommodation will be needed.

It is accepted the scheme was only intended to address a short-term need and the fact the modules were designed for quick-fit assembly should also make them easier to dismantle.

The report adds: "It is considered that in the context of the temporary provision of the accommodation provided by the building, the form and appearance would be acceptable.

"It is however only considered appropriate on the basis of the limited five-year period which is being sought."