PLANS to build a lifesize replica of a Spitfire plane were unanimously approved by Salisbury Council’s Planning Committee at a meeting Monday night (February 25).

The chairman of the planning committee, Councillor John Farquhar, and vice chairman Councillor Tom Corbin both said they were “very supportive” of the application, and it was passed unanimously.

The application now goes to Wiltshire Council for final approval.

If approved, the model will be built on land at Salisbury Rugby Club, made out of fibreglass, and will be around six metres off the ground.

Alison and Chris Whalley, who submitted the application, said: “The reason for the monument is to provide a tribute, not just to the pilots, but to the incredible achievement of Salisbury residents who manufactured more than 2000 Spitfires in secret from 1940 (10 per cent of the total build), becoming instrumental in winning the Second World War.”

They added: “The monument would constitute the provision of public art which reflects the heritage of Salisbury, and arguably comes at a time where celebration of the cultural heritage of Salisbury is of paramount importance.”

The application adds that the rugby club was chosen as the site for the Spitfire as it has “historic significance”, as it is near to one of the locations the Spitfires were built in during the war, and because “it [the location] will ensure it [the Spitfire] is clearly visible on a long stretch of road where visibility can be maintained.”

A charitable trust is also being formed to take ownership of the monument, which is hoped will be in place by the time a final decision is expected, which is around April 10.

All residents who live on Castle Road opposite the application site were individually consulted by letter.

Richard Larcombe, president of the rugby club, said they were "delighted" to be involved with the project.

He added: "We have shown the Secret Spitfires film on a couple of occasions in the clubhouse, and after members from the rugby club organised for Norman Parker to fly in the Spitfire, they wanted to recognise the pilots in another way.

"The Secret Spitfires was a big thing for the local community, just as we at the rugby club think we play a big role in the community, so we were delighted to release the land for the monument."

For more information about the plans, go to bit.ly/2Ey6j9t