Artist impression of The Wing

Unique visitor centre located between Dover and Folkestone will celebrate the bravery of the men in the Battle of Britain

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Plans for a unique visitor centre to be built on the iconic White Cliffs to celebrate the heroism of the men in the Battle of Britain have been given the green light for development.

Dover District Council gave full planning permission for The Wing to be developed at the National Memorial to the Few at Capel-le-Fern between Dover and Folkestone.

The new building has been designed in the shape of the iconic Spitfire wing complete with its signature dihedral wing shape, and will have room for educational activities alongside a high-tech audio-visual experience designed to bring the story of the Battle of Britain to life.

The site is already home to the Christopher Foxley-Norris Memorial Wall, a replica Spitfire and Hurricane and the central statue of a seated airman looking out over the Channel.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, which cares for the existing memorial, is working on the new centre with Folkestone architects Godden Allen Lawn.

Now planning permission has been agreed, the Trust is working towards raising an estimated £2.5 million to build and fit out the centre.

A bid has been submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund but the Trust said additional fundraising will be a major priority over the coming year.

Trust Chairman Richard Hunting CBE said: “We are delighted to have won planning permission for this exciting new development, but we recognise that there is a long way to go.

“We hope that people will see the value of what we are trying to achieve here at Capel-le-Ferne and will contribute generously to this great cause.”

The car park, cafe and gift shop have been kept open throughout the winter for the first time this year, reflecting increased interest in the Battle of Britain following the 70th anniversary in 2010.