Old Sarum & Longhedge

The old Roman road called the Portway runs from the Old Sarum monument through the original Old Sarum settlement on its way to ancient Winchester. Alongside today is one of only two surviving, working World War 1 grass airfields in the country, with a grade III listed Belfast hangar adjacent to the more recent industrial units, providing local employment opportunities.

We estimate that there are currently 1,450 homes in Old Sarum and Longhedge, more than a third homes in Laverstock and Ford parish, currently estimated at around 4100.

Recent Past

Much of the growth in housing in Old Sarum and Longhedge has come in the last ten years. Therefore it will not be a surprise to find that there were significantly fewer houses in Old Sarum and Longhedge at the census in 2011, with just less than 400. There has been a three-fold growth in 7 years! The addition of the Coop store was a much needed local facility.

Short Term Future

Will growth continue? Just based upon the build and sale of houses with existing planning permission the projected number of households in Old Sarum and Longhedge will grow to 1,650 homes in 2021: Old Sarum and Longhedge in 2021 will represent almost 40% of the number of households in the parish (projected at 4,300). With the lack of demand for new office space around Salisbury, the land at Longhedge originally intended for offices has been redesignated for 65 houses and 29 light industrial units to be built for rent or purchase. These are additional to the 673 dwellings originally approved. A similar proposal for redesignation of commercial land in Old Sarum has been made but not yet progressed to a planning application, which could add around 168 dwellings there. The new Wiltshire Council Local Plan, which is currently under consultation, proposes a further development of Old Sarum in the field beyond the Country Park. The Parish Council has voiced concerns about this proposal in their formal response, both in principle and in scale, and would like to see more emphasis on brownfield development within Salisbury City.

The installation of the footpath between Longhedge and Old Sarum was a very welcome event for the many parents and children in Longhedge making the journey to the Old Sarum primary school – now a safe walk rather than a car journey. This has suffered long delays and caused great inconvenience. The Longhedge village centre is nearing completion with units soon available for shops and a cafe. The lack of a GP surgery in either development, despite one being promised in Old Sarum, is, however, a great disappointment, and needs to be reconsidered, along with a pharmacy.