The Future of MOD Land

Surrey Heath Liberal Democrats - working for you, for a better future <info@surreyheathlibdems.org.uk>

The Future of MOD Land

July 10, 2006 12:00 AM

Do you want 4,000 houses here on MOD land in Deepcut?

The MOD, when asked to comment on Liberal Democrat concerns about the future of the Deepcut Barracks and the possibility of some 4000 new homes being built on the site, told the Camberley News:

"A 120Ha brownfield site at Deepcut is not yet deemed surplus to requirements but, subject to the outcome of a Defence Training Review, could be handed over to Crown Estates for disposal by 2009."

This seems to local Lib Dems like pretty clear 'coded language' for 'We are going to sell the site for development'!

Quite clearly such a massive development in Deepcut would have a major impact on Frimley Green & Mytchett and would change the character of the area completely. Local Liberal Democrat Councillors have played a major part in the all party initiative opposing any MOD plans for mass development of the Deepcut Barracks site.

"Most people accept that some development on the existing footprint of buildings on the site will take place if the site is deemed surplus to MOD needs," said Mike Drew, Mytchett & Deepcut Local Councillor, "but this should be undertaken in consultation with the local Council and local residents AND should include the necessary new infrastructure which any new residents will require."

In the meantime, the future of Keogh Barracks in Mytchett has also been queried. In this case, it seems like that the site would become some kind of Corporate HQ. Although this would be more desirable than housing development, there would be implications for traffic and public transport in this eventuality.