A RESIDENTS' group is hoping to save a historic Cold War bunker at a former RAF base from demolition.

VSM Estates, which currently owns Bentley Priory, in Stanmore, wants to fill in the underground shelter but has met with vocal opposition from the Stanmore Society.

The RAF Bentley Priory Battle of Britain Trust says it does not have enough money to maintain the site and the residents' association is trying to find another group willing to take on responsibility for the site.

Some of the structure, including the blast doors, will remain intact but the move would rule out the possibility of it being reopened for guided tours inside.

A planning application for permission to demolish the bunker has been submitted by VSM Estates and is due to be considered on September 15.

John Williams, the Stanmore Society's chairman, wrote to Harrow Council's planning committee in March objecting “in the strongest possible terms”.

He said: “We can see no point in spending thousands of pounds destroying something which in the 1980s cost millions of pounds to build.

“This is a unique building in Harrow and should be preserved intact. We appreciate that no intentions exist at present to open the building to the public but this view could change at some future point.

“VSM's action would render this impossible. To quote a sales expression, 'when it's gone, it's gone'.”

As the home of Fighter Command during World War Two, Bentley Priory holds a special place in the hearts of veterans and military enthusiasts across the country.

But the original Second World War bunker was lost when the current Cold War bunker was built and the newer structure has not been given listed status.

VSM Estates is currently in negotiations to sell Bentley Priory to a developer for housing and if the project goes ahead a commemorative museum to the Battle of Britain will be set up in the most historic rooms.

Paul Teverson, a spokesman for the company, said: “VSM Estates has discussed the bunker with the Stanmore Society.

“Our recent submission to Harrow Council includes a detailed analysis of options for the bunker’s future, concluding that our proposals are the only feasible solution. We are willing to continue to discuss our plans with interested parties. However, a combination of many factors means that this is the only solution which assists with securing the wider preservation of Bentley Priory and the Mansion House.”