346 new homes for soldiers to go ahead

The £51 million scheme will see 346 homes built for soldiers and their families at Beaconside in Stafford in addition to the £100m redevelopment of MOD Stafford.

Around 1,000 new troops from the 16 Signal Regiment and 1 Armoured Division Signal Regiment will relocate to the county town next summer.

Planners on Stafford Borough Council yesterday approved the final details of the 'super garrison' and work on the homes could now start within days.

Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy said: "I welcome this decision and now we need to make sure the developers work closely with the local community and the MOD to make sure they follow the conditions and cause minimal disruption.

"The housing is about one third of the project with the other two thirds on the redevelopment of the barracks itself.

"I have seen some of the work which is going on and will be keen to see as much local input as possible.

"This is a milestone for the project and will see 1,000 extra people working in Stafford, living in Stafford, contributing to the local community socially and economically.

"One of the things I have been saying all along is that with the Signals regiments we will see highly-skilled people in ICT and communications coming to Stafford, and hopefully will stay in Stafford and we will see this attract new investment and jobs in these sectors."

Borough council regeneration chief, councillor Frances Beatty, said: "We are delighted to have Stafford marked out as a garrison town. These properties are essential to opening the door to military families to come to Stafford and it is very good news and we look forward to them arriving.

"It will create jobs, bring people into the town and has the opportunity to integrate the local community with the military forces and we will make them very welcome. We look forward to them coming very much."

And Staffordshire County Council infrastructure boss councillor Mark Winnington added: "It is fantastic news for Stafford and Staffordshire. We have been waiting for this day for two years. Because we have worked across the partnership of of the borough council, county council and MPs, we have managed to secure this for the county town and in terms of regeneration it is brilliant news.

"Staffordshire has a 'can do' attitude and that has ensured we are a growth area."

The 346 homes for soldiers at Beacon Barracks will establish the town as one of the Army's seven major sites and should be complete by summer 2015 when troops from 16 Signal Regiment and 1 Armoured Division Signal Regiment move to the town allowing for the closure of the Rhine Garrison in Germany.

Barry Hansen, a consultant representing the MOD, said: "We are very happy this is going forward . As soon as we receive the decision notice we will look to get work started on site as soon as possible."

The site, which backs on to Douglas Road West and Dickson Road, has already seen warehouses and hangars demolished and the land flattened ready for development.

Initial plans were approved earlier in the year for the homes.

Lovell Partnerships Ltd will build the homes while Lend Lease has already started on the £100m redevelopment of Beacon Barracks.

New and refurbished facilities will include workshops, a combined mess, single living accommodation for personnel, offices, garages, catering areas, shops, recreational areas as well as a medical and dental centre.

The development comes as the Government brings back 15,000 service personnel to the UK from Germany by 2020.

Beacon Barracks at MOD Stafford will remain the home of 22 Signal Regiment and the Tactical Supply Wing (RAF).