Outline planning approval for major development at Worthy Down
Ministry of Defence (MOD) plans to deliver a centre of training excellence for the Armed Forces have moved a step closer with outline planning permission now granted for a site in Hampshire.
Winchester City Council's Planning Development Control Committee has now approved the Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s (DIO) submission for the re-development of the Worthy Down site, near Winchester.
The MOD intends to concentrate its Phase 2 and 3 training for Logistics, Personnel & Administration at the site. The DIO proposals will deliver re-development of the whole site to provide modern training facilities for personnel from the Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy.
Securing outline planning permission at Worthy Down is a major step forward in the important re-development scheme, known as Project Wellesley which will take around five years to complete.
David Salmond, DIO Deputy Head Major Projects, said:
“DIO’s priority is to support our Armed Forces as they live, work and train. This planning decision marks an incredibly important milestone for Project Wellesley.
“DIO is as committed to delivering sustainable development, as it is to delivering facilities and services that will enable our military personnel to give their best. Our plans for Worthy Down provide a real opportunity to inspire our young service men and women, whilst creating a sustainable community.”
DIO is currently selecting an industry partner to undertake the construction work. The approval of the outline planning application now brings a clarity and certainty for companies with an interest in the contracting process.
The redevelopment of the Worthy Down site will enable the relocation of military units from The Princess Royal Barracks Deepcut inSurrey, which DIO will release for sale, after it is vacated.
Redevelopment will also see the Defence Maritime Logistics School brought in from HMS Raleigh, in Cornwall, and the RAF Supply and Movements Training Wing from RAF Halton, near Aylesbury. However, there are no plans to close either HMS Raleigh or RAF Halton. The Royal Logistic Corps Museum from Deepcut will also be moving to Worthy Down.
Ends
Further information:
Press enquiries to:
Tony Moran, DIO Communications Manager: 0121 311 3879 or tony moran572@mod.uk
DIO website: www.gov.uk/dio
Notes to editors
1. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) is part of the Ministry of Defence (MOD). It is responsible for managing and maintaining land and properties to meet the current and future needs of the MOD and personnel at home and abroad, and to support current operations.
2. Our work includes providing, supporting and improving: operational units; single living and service family accommodation; training areas and historic military sites. DIO actively manages these to ensure the needs of Defence are met, value for money is achieved, our heritage is protected and our environmental goals achieved.
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