Wiltshire Council approves DSTL’s demolition of historic buildings in Salisbury, including labs and a 1936 annex
Wiltshire Council Approves Demolition Plans for Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), located near Salisbury, has received prior approval from Wiltshire Council for three demolition projects.
| Reference | Location | Proposal | Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| PL/2025/09485 | Building 115 Tetricus, MOD Dstl Porton Down, Salisbury, SP1 4JQ | Demolition of a two-storey building (349m²) built in 1936 | Prior Approval Granted |
| PL/2025/09479 | Old Gas Works site, MOD Dstl Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JQ | Demolition of three vacant buildings (382m²) built around 1941/1942 | Prior Approval Granted |
| PL/2025/09480 | Old Science park buildings, MOD Dstl Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JQ | Demolition of several buildings (3277m²) built between 1937 and 1970 | Prior Approval Granted |
The buildings scheduled for demolition include a two-storey block built in 1936 as a bedroom annex next to a former officers’ mess. It also includes three vacant buildings from an old gas works site and old laboratories and offices.
DSTL plans to begin demolition in February this year. The facility employs highly trained scientists who handle dangerous substances like Ebola, anthrax, Novichok, and plague, all of which can be lethal. Their work aims to counter future threats from hostile states.
