Cited by A Short History of the RSPCA Animal Hostel at London Airport. Pt. 1: Foundation.
Description:

'By 1950, Hancock had been given free rein to draw up plans for a significant building with dedicated facilities for animal accommodation and care. His final plan, modelled on the typical 'hangar'-like terminal buildings of the inter-war period, included a surgery, a pharmacy, food stores, extensive kennel arrangements, offices, a dog run, and a large, reinforced-door equipped room able to house large animals such as elephants, giraffes or wild cats. The projected Hostel's large doors would allow ground transportation vehicles to drive directly into the building and drop off animals without risking their escape.'

 

From original:

'Though the transport guidelines of British airlines had not as yet yielded much to guide me, since no "hospices" or hostels for animals travelling by air as yet existed anywhere in the world, it appeared that the following were the principal conditions that had to be taken into account:-

1. Some 40 of the dog family and 35 of the cat have travelled by air and are already listed as subject to quarantine, and there are thousands of other species that have been conveyed by air. (At the time of writing one animal in nine is an animal).

2. Quarantine buildings for some species, mainly on account of rabies, would be needful under conditions provided by the Ministry of Agriculture.

3. The buildings must be so heated that they are capable of receiving animals and birds from tropical areas, and as yet unacclimatised to temperate regions.

4. It appears likely that occasional large consignments of zoological and other mixed collections might have to be given temporary shelter in their cages.

5. Some animals would be received in an uncustomed [sic] state from aeroplanes. The Customs and Excise authorities would insist on certain conditions in regard to locks, bolts and bars in the building.

6. The Ministry of Civil Aviation would have to obtain the assent of the Treasury to the allocation of airport land for the purpose.

7. The height of a building being restricted to an overall height of 18 feet, only one storey was possible.

In accordance with these conditions, rough sketches were submitted to Sir John Brown & Partners, the architects. A central hanger-like building was suggested that at need could be heated, and into which a number of vehicles containing animals could be driven, and safely locked in for short periods.

On one flank of the hanger are ranged blocks of quarantine and non-quarantine kennels and catteries with appropriate runs. On the other flank stabling, comprising loose boxes and stalls is arranged, with an enclosed paddock opening therefrom.

At the eastern end of the paddock will be situated that bungalow residence of the hanger.

Fronting the kennel side of the building, and looking out on the airport are the offices pharmacy and surgery. On the opposite side facing the stable block are the kitchen, forage stores and larder.

In view of the cost, the proposed flue system of controlled heat and ventilation has had to be abandoned and local thermostatically-controlled tubular electric heater units fitted instead. Cooking will be by gas.

A delivery van for collection from aeroplanes already has been presented to the Society, and it is hoped other gifts, such as X-ray equipment, will follow.'