OLD Sarum Airfield is expected to cease all operations tomorrow, after owners revealed “seven-figure losses” earlier this year.

As of 4.45pm, aircraft owners are instructed to leave the site and will not be able to return.

It is understood that there are no last-minute moves to save the airfield from closure.

As reported, the decision to close the airfield was made back in July, after a planning inspector turned down an appeal by Old Sarum Airfield Limited against Wiltshire Council after the authority refused planning permission to build 462 homes and create a “flying hub”complete with a heritage centre, visitor centre, restaurant, and new control tower at the site.

This prompted director Matthew Hudson to issue a letter explaining his company’s “seven-figure losses”, which led him and fellow bosses to make the decision to close the airfield.

Speaking about the impending closure, ward member for Laverstock, Ford, and Old Sarum, Councillor Ian McLennan, said: “[If the planned closure does take place] it would make me extremely sad to see the airfield close down, something which I do not think is proper or legally right.

“I have already asked and will now remind Wiltshire Council that it has a responsibility to the conservation area of Old Sarum Airfield and its surrounding buildings [such as the three grade-2 listed Second World War hangars], and it is responsible to conserve and enhance it. Although this was responsibility was passed to the current owners of the airfield, if they do close the airfield then that responsibility moves back to Wiltshire Council and I would look to the authority to respect its responsibility.”