Controversy at Biggin Hill

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Rita
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Controversy at Biggin Hill

Post by Rita »

Hello Airshow Enthusiasts,

As you come along the Biggin Hill Airport Road you will see the Spitfire and Hurricane Gate Guardians in front of the St George's RAF Chapel of Remembrance, built by Winston Churchill to commemorate the pilots of the RAF who won the Battle of Britain. Savour the scene, because if the London Borough of Bromley and their Trust have their way, shortly the site will be devoid of trees and shrubs, the Chapel's Vestry, the large part on the left will be demolished, (it houses the Air Crew Association stained glass window).

In its place will be built a square characterless building, politely described by some as a 'Toilet Block', less politely by others as making the Chapel look like a 'Concentration Camp'. This is to become the long awaited Biggin Hill Museum(BHMM) despite the Biggin Hill Battle of Britain Supporters Club gaining unopposed Planning Permission in 2014 for their publicly preferred design, only to be pushed aside by the bullies at Bromley Council. The Council's design has no affinity to the Chapel, with no RAF or aviation influences. Whereas the Supporters Club design is hanger based (perhaps Duxford inspired), larger and costing probably less, but most importantly it stands alone and has no detrimental effects on the Grade 2 Listed Chapel.

To combat all this an On-Line petition has been started and it currently stands at 8000 signatories. Its purpose is to save the Vestry from demolition and to persuade the Council to think again, it can be accessed by Googling: Protect Biggin Hill RAF Chapel. Or simply click on the link below. Please view the petition, sign and share.

Thank-you Rita.

https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/protect-biggin-hill-st-george-s-raf-chapel-of-remembrance

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Brevet Cable
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Re: CONTROVERSY AT BIGGIN HILL

Post by Brevet Cable »

Things have degenerated further over the last 2 years, then ?
http://forums.airshows.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=64663&hilit=church#p640710

( Note the final post in that topic )
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nighthawk999
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Re: Controversy at Biggin Hill

Post by nighthawk999 »

Petition signed and shared on Facebook

philh
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Re: Controversy at Biggin Hill

Post by philh »

Signed and shared of FB & Twitter

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psquiddy
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Re: Controversy at Biggin Hill

Post by psquiddy »

http://www.bhmm.org.uk/

A purpose built, single storey museum will frame the historic Chapel. We will be removing the 1990 storage annex to allow the original design of the Grade II listed 1951 Chapel to be once again revealed. The 'Allied Aircrew' roundel window will be saved and relocated elsewhere within the new scheme.

The Garden of Remembrance will continue to be accessible to those wishing to visit and remember loved ones even throughout the construction phase and remains a treasured feature of the new scheme for the Chapel site. Plots are available for the future interment of ashes.

New landscaping will better showcase the Chapel and gate guardians, revealing the relationship to the historic airfield. Planned tree planting will replace the trees earmarked for removal, a significant portion of which are Leyland species (Cypress).

The museum received planning permission and listed building consent in May 2017. A robust business plan is also in place which ensures that the museum is sustainable and self-supporting, a museum for future generations.

Fulfilling our vision to inspire generations, the team have been working with the Chapel community to host schools from across Bromley, re-introducing local young people to the important heritage at the Chapel.



And what it will look like

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/564dd2e4e4b03008a5549bee/t/580f6880b3db2b9be8c53618/1477404800941/For+website.pdf


What exactly are we opposing? The removal of the 1990 storage annex?
Last edited by psquiddy on Sun 23 Jul 2017, 7:37 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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minnie the moocher
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Re: Controversy at Biggin Hill

Post by minnie the moocher »

already signed and shared beginning of June but will share it round again

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flashman8
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Re: Controversy at Biggin Hill

Post by flashman8 »

signed and shared........... :smile:
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GertrudetheMerciless
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Re: Controversy at Biggin Hill

Post by GertrudetheMerciless »

I share the concerns of a couple of the other posters.

(IMHO) The wording of the petition is far too emotive, and trying use an example of a veteran saying he can't "die to order" because the chapel will close is probably counter productive - how many other heritage assets or otherpublic buildings have to close for periods for conservation work or otherwise. Calling the council "bullies" probably doesn't gain too much sympathy either unless there is concrete evidence of such.

Actually presenting logical arguments as to why the plans are poor, and how they could be better whilst still achieving the eventual aims of the project would probably yield a more sympathetic and constructive response.

Rita
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Joined: Sat 22 Jul 2017, 10:57 am

Re: Controversy at Biggin Hill

Post by Rita »

Hi All,
To see the BBC TV News report on the controversy, please click on the link here to the Downe Village website, it is the first item you scroll down to: https://www.downe-kent.org.uk
Hopefully you will sign: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/protect-biggin-hill-st-george-s-raf-chapel-of-remembrance
Many thanks
Rita

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psquiddy
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Re: Controversy at Biggin Hill

Post by psquiddy »

I would like to have more information about this but I cant find any.

What is wrong with the current proposal and what are the alternatives?

Can anyone provide any informative links?
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aceyone
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Re: Controversy at Biggin Hill

Post by aceyone »

Biggin Hill Memorial Museum set to open this weekend ( 2nd Feb )
Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm with tickets costing £8.50 for adults and £4.50 for children.
Edit-actually opens today for the public !
Don't know about those jets ,they spoil a very nice place

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Brevet Cable
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Re: Controversy at Biggin Hill

Post by Brevet Cable »

Been featured on the BBC News channel a number of times today.
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