RAF Kenley peri trac fence
We are indeed lucky that RAF Kenley has survived to be the most complete Battle of Britain airfield in its near original state. It has done this due to it actually being a 'common' and the MOD continuing its interest due to the ATC having a long standing Gliding School based there (615). It has also survived numerous attempts to 'landscape' certain famous features ie the 1940 aircraft blast bays and has generally put up as stiff a resistance as it did on the 18th Aug 1940 when 9 low level DO17's did their best to put it out of action. When I say low level I mean they were down to less than 100 ft over the field. Anyway its quite peaceful now, but this 'Battlefield' on a Surrey common is now under threat from those that think it should have its peri trac bisected along its length by a hideous fence complete with associated gates and signs. This will of course completely alter the character of the location (and the peri trac) which in 1940 saw countless Hurricanes and Spitfires taxi around it en route to a duty runway. The airfield at Kenley is truly a 1940 time warp and it is THE ONLY intact 11 Group flying field in its original state. Despite its historical significance and various 'protection designations' Croydon Council have the application before them now and I am not too sure that they will stand firm and reject it. At present you can walk from the boundary to the actual airfield and see the location as it was (rather like the opening scene in 12 oclock high) but various groups would rather the trac became a cycle way to no where.