Consultation For 3,000 Homes On Former Army Barracks Extended

Cover: Rutland County Council

A consultation into initial proposals for the redevelopment of a military base in Rutland has been extended until June 2018.

St George’s Barracks in North Luffenham, Rutland, was announced for intended disposal by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in November 2016 and is due to be vacated by the army by 2021.

Rutland County Council and the MoD have been working on a scheme to transform the site into up to 3,000 homes.

The barracks were established in 1998 and became the home of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers in 1999, of the King's Own Royal Border Regiment in 2003, and then later on of 2 Medical Regiment and 1 Military Working Dogs in 2014.

The site was also formally known as RAF North Luffenham, which was first used as a heavy bomber base during the Second World War and then chosen as a nuclear missile site in June 1958.

Their three launch pads have listed status and therefore cannot be developed. 

According to Rutland County Council, "the preservation of Thor Missile area enhances the significance and value of St George’s Barracks as an important educational resource".

The Council and the MoD have been working together to make sure the site "is developed in a way that takes account of existing communities, local needs and the environment".

Oliver Hemsley, Leader of Rutland County Council, said:

"Anticipating the kind of impact this could have on Rutland, the Council has chosen to work with the MoD to try and strike a balance between national priorities and local needs.

"We want to make sure that any future development on the site is controlled, sustainable and supported by the necessary improvements to roads, schools and other public services."

According to the plan, the 300-hectare site will be redeveloped into a "garden village", with more than 60% of it remaining public green space.

The proposal also includes up to 3,000 homes, a new local centre with shops and other services, GP surgery, community centre and a heritage zone around the listed Thor Missile launch pads.