The Orchard’s Locally Listed Spitfire Memorial Update

Ruislip Residents’ Association shares the concerns we have heard from residents regarding the locally listed Spitfire memorial and memorial stone at The Orchard site.

MEMORIAL – Photo from LBH’s “Local Listing – Ruislip” webpage

Background

• The Orchard site previously housed a locally listed (LBH’s local listing 186 PDF) Spitfire memorial and memorial stone specifically associated with the location.
• Recent developments indicate the memorial and stone are no longer present at the site.
• Only the Interpretation Board regarding the Polish Air Force Heritage Trail remains in place.

Current Situation

• Lidl is holding a drop-in session on 25 November to show their potential (and currently, only speculative) plans for a new supermarket on the Orchard site
• Lidl has not acquired the site nor holds any options on it. The land remains for sale.
• The authorization and removal process for the memorial are unclear 

The removal of a locally listed building does require planning permission, however given the removal of the Spitfire model and stone plinth is for the purpose of restoration, it would be reasonable to permit the temporary removal of the Monument on the basis that it is restored to its original location as soon as practicable.
— London Borough of Hillingdon, 14 November 2024

CGI image from Lidl’s Nov’ 2024 leaflet: a different plane on grass outside their supermarket

RRA Actions

• The RRA has contacted the Ruislip Northwood Eastcote Local History Society (RNELHS), Imperial War Museums (IWM) Memorials, and London Borough of Hillingdon (LBH) Planning Enforcement.
• No record of authorised removal exists from either the RNELHS or IWM.
• LBH Planning Enforcement has confirmed no authorization was granted for the memorial’s removal. 
• Following our enquiries, a live enforcement case is currently under investigation by LBH Planning Enforcement in collaboration with LBH Conservation – case ENF/652/24.

Public Consultation

• Lidl’s proposals and consultation arrangements are available on Facebook and the RRA website.
• Residents are encouraged to review the information, provide feedback to Lidl, and attend the drop-in session on November 25th.

MEMORIAL STONE – Photo from LBH’s “Local Listing – Ruislip” webpage

Community Concerns

• Some residents have expressed concerns regarding the depiction of a “toy plane” on grass in the Lidl leaflet.
• Residents familiar with the original memorial desire its return to its intended location.
• There are concerns that Lidl may not intend to reinstate the original memorial and are seeking alternative proposals for the corner space.

Summary

Documentation clearly designates the memorial’s intended location as The Orchard site. The RRA is committed to keeping residents informed and advocating for the memorial’s return.

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Additional reading – Listed Memorial Documentation:

• The Hillingdon Council website provides documentation for the memorial
• The Imperial War Museum has additional details

Additional reading – Polish Air Force Heritage Trail:

• The Hillingdon Council website also provides information on the Polish Air Force Heritage Trail:
  • Polish Air Force Heritage Trail
  • Polish Trail
  • The Orchard