Campaign group loses bid to save WW2 runway used for D-Day

The ‘save RAF Harwell site heritage’ group was set up after Covid-19 vaccine manufacturer Moderna applied to build its new technology centre at Harwell Campus - the former site of RAF Harwell.

The group objected to the proposal as it would build over a runway used by planes to carry troops to Normandy before the major military operation on June 6, 1944.

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Many of those involved in the group had relatives who had been on those planes.

However, at a Vale of White Horse District Council planning committee meeting on April 5, the plans were approved.

Steve Hale, who started the group, said: “I’m disgusted. And for good reason. We proposed a compromise which was shifting the footage of the factors northwest 40 metres.”

Moderna's application to build its new technology centre at Harwell Campus was approved (Image: Moderna)

The runway is also well-known for its experimental plane catapult which was designed to launch a 30-ton bomber into the sky during the war.

The catapult never launched any planes but is unique in its design.

The mechanism, which was powered by six aircraft engines, is no longer there, but the 30m wide and 3m deep bowl it sat in still exists.

Moderna’s plans will build over the former site, which is now buried underground.

Mr Hale said: “I’m very disappointed that there was not an understanding by all parties involved of the unique importance of the runway in D-Day and the catapult had which was unique in the world.”

Harwell Campus has launched new heritage trails and installed artwork of planes taking off to remember the site’s original use, but Mr Hale said it was a “poor substitute.”

“It isn’t enough because they could have easily not built on the runway,” he said.

A spokeswoman for Harwell Campus said: “We are immensely proud of Harwell’s heritage.

“As an RAF base Harwell’s role in D-Day was significant and since 1946 the campus has been one of the world’s leading science and innovation campuses, home to a string of world-first breakthroughs.

“We recognise the centrality of honouring our heritage alongside continuing to grow the campus and welcome the valuable comments from our neighbours.

“The campus has recently launched new heritage trails, installed artwork visualising a plane taking off, improved landscaping around memorials and refurbished former RAF buildings.

“We will continue to work closely with stakeholders such as the Royal British Legion to develop more ways to celebrate our heritage.”

Mr Harwell has inquired to the planning inspector about what mechanism was available for the group to appeal and was given the offer of a judicial review.

However, this is a costly process, and he is considering his next steps.