Plans For New Armed Forces Training Centre

A massive new training base for our armed forces is going to be built near Winchester.

The army base at Worthy Down will be developed to include a major new college for the Royal Navy, the RAF as well as the army.

It'll take the number of people based there from 750 to 2,000. 

The Ministry of Defence has already cleared the plans, but it's now up to Winchester City Council to give approval. If they do, work should start in 2013.

MP for Winchester and Chandler's Ford Steve Brine welcomed the plans. He says: "While we are not yet even at the outline planning stage, from what I have seen these proposals should be largely well received by residents. 

"I feel passionately that Worthy Down is part of our military tradition in Winchester which is why I was so keen to secure assurances about the future of Worthy Down from the Defence Secretary immediately upon publication of the Strategic Defence Review in 2010. It is good therefore to see it thriving and making plans to safeguard its long-term future in the city.

"The proposals should also be an opportunity for long-needed improvements to community facilities and local infrastructure. Residents will know I have been working with the Parish council and the MOD for some time to strike a deal on some new land being made available for use as a burial ground, additional football pitch and the new cycle route from South Wonston to Winchester and I would expect to see significant progress on all of these fronts as this project moves forward.

"I know that the MOD is keen to hear from those who were not able to make the event, and I do encourage residents to get in touch with them, and Cllr Stephen Godfrey, with their views."