A HAMPSHIRE parish council has won a victory over defence chiefs to stop an Army base expanding without improving the local park.
South Wonston Parish Council took on the might of the Ministry of Defence by objecting to £270m plans to turn Worthy Down camp into a training centre for all three services.
The new college for the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force will see the number of personnel more than double from 750 to 2,000.
The parish council said that service families use South Wonston recreation ground, and that play space is already in short supply, so it fought for more cash to improve facilities.
It was supported by Winchester City Council and defence chiefs retreated.
Now the parish could be in line for new play equipment, a skatepark, a BMX track, a new sports pavilion and an extra tennis court.
The latest proposals were due to be considered by city council planners today.
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