Developers have moved in to demolish the former home of a Second World War aeronautical engineer who helped "save Britain".

Councillor Ruth Lyon, for Thames Ditton, said despite discussions taking place to try to prevent the destruction of Sir Sydney Camm's house at 29 Embercourt Road, Thames Ditton, the process had started.

Look to the skies and thank heavens for WWII genius Sydney Camm

Camm designed at least 50 aircraft from the Hawker Hurricane, Typhoon and Tempest to the Harrier jump jet. He was dubbed, by the News Chronicle in January 1941, as the man who saved Britain.

Coun Lyon alleged on Friday, April 24, Shanly Homes contractors moved on to the site while discussions were still ongoing. She said: "All this has taken place while discussion are under way between Elmbridge Council and Shanly Homes to find a way forward which would be financially viable for Shanly while retaining the Sydney Camm house."

A press release from Coun Lyon suggested Shanly Homes had broken a promise by starting demolition during these discussions.

A spokesman for Shanly Homes said an application for demolition was approved by Elmbridge Council and a meeting with representatives took place on April 22, but none of the options discussed were thought to be viable.

They said: "We have certainly not broken any promises and at no time during this meeting did we suggest that we would not proceed with either the demolition or a new planning application to build four houses."

Stewart John OBE, past president of the Royal Aeronautical Society, said of Sir Camm: "In any other country in the world he would be celebrated as a great designer and engineer and there would be no question of destroying his home where he lived and worked for so many years."