PLANS to convert a historic air force base in Stanmore into a museum and flats have been submitted to Harrow Council.

VSM Estates plans to build flats in and around the 18th Century mansion at RAF Bentley Priory, in Common Road, but the main rooms of the building will be turned into a museum to commemorate its history.

Erica Ferguson, of the RAF Bentley Priory Battle of Britain Trust, which will run the museum if the project goes ahead, said she supported the proposals.

She said: "We are very pleased. VSM have been good partners so far and we see this as a significant step.

"We looked at it and we worked through a whole load of scenarios and we felt this was the best one."

The air base is most famous for its role in the Battle of Britain during World War II, when it was the headquarters of Fighter Command.

The museum will record the history of the base and its role in the war.

VSM Estates has offered to pay for the conversion and Ms Ferguson said the Battle of Britain Trust is trying to raise around £2.5m to pay for installations.

Roland Jeffrey, projects advisor for the Prince's Regeneration Trust, has been involved in negotiations over the future of the site.

He said: "We feel it's a fantastic opportunity, this chance isn't going to come up again.

"The museum and the other attractions will be in the best bit of the house, the finest rooms.

"We think they will be a great space to visit. It will have the feel of a country estate much more than at the moment."

Part of the building was damaged by a fire in 1947 and it is these rooms which will be converted into housing under the current proposals.

In total there will be 103 flats built on the site, with the majority based away from the Grade 2* listed mansion.

Colin Darby, planning manager at VSM Estates, said: "We look forward to continuing to work closely will all those with an interest in the future of the priory to deliver a proposal that does credit to this unique site."

It was made available to developers by the Ministry of Defence as part of plans to relocate squadrons from six different bases into one headquarters