DEFENCE chiefs are one step closer to a £270m revamp of an Army base.

Winchester City Council granted outline planning permission for a new college at Worthy Down camp, near South Wonston, including 90 homes for service families.

The proposals include demolition of 45,000 square metres of existing buildings to be replaced by 77,000 square metres of new training facilities, offices and storage.

Speaking for the MoD, Jon Rose said: “Current accommodation is extremely poor and the majority of buildings are in very poor condition and unfit for purpose in a modern training environment.

“We are committing a very, very large investment to this site in order to provide a centre of excellence for training.”

Councillors unanimously supported the plans, praising the impact the improvements would have.

Cllr Ray Pearce said: “I’m delighted this is finally going to come in the future. Worthy Down has always been a good neighbour and this is an excellent scheme.”

Cllr Kim Gottlieb added: “This is a great opportunity for the city to reinforce its support for our armed forces.”

The development also provides more than £500,000 for improvements to the local area, including highway improvements and a minibus for both base and community use.

The MoD is making contributions to open space and play areas after the expansion was challenged by South Wonston Parish Council.

It will help pay for a new pavilion and extra tennis court as well as expanding the skatepark and BMX track.

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 It will provide training in personnel administration and logistics, including catering.

The base, which was first used by the Royal Flying Corps in 1917, is currently home to the Adjutant General Corps, which will remain.

Mr Rose said a detailed application would be submitted once a contractor had been appointed.