Proposals for Worthy Down camp were put to local residents at South Wonston Village Hall on Monday 25th June.
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation held the evening event to highlight plans including the replacement of existing buildings for continued military training, and the construction of 92 new military homes adjacent to the existing Service Families Accommodation just outside the camp.
As part of the Defence Training Review, Worthy Down was identified as a potential recipient site for other defence training units, and following the Strategic Defence and Security Review of 2010, the upgrade and enhancement of the camp is being considered.
Local councillor Stephen Godfrey said:"The proposals for developing Worthy Down seem very sensible. They will exploit the considerable investment that the MOD has made in Worthy Down over the last few years and retain around 450 civilian jobs and 650 military jobs in this area (back to where we were 15 years ago).
"The addition of some 90 new married quarters and the better use of the existing 240 homes will make a significant contribution to the local community. I have outlined a number of specific issues for the planners to respond to but I think that this is a scheme that is worth supporting."
Local MP Steve Brine added: "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."
Pictured; Local residents visited South Wonston Village Hall to hear more about the plans
More information...
You can contact DIO Project Manager Stuart Adamson at DIOOpsSouth-Proj2f@mod.uk, and Cllr Stephen Godfrey at sgodfrey@winchester.gov.uk.