A planning row has erupted in Herefordshire as developers have proposed building “hundreds of houses near SAS headquarters”.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is locked in a dispute with property developer James Spreckley Ltd over proposals to construct as many as 250 homes just metres from Stirling Lines in Credenhill, Herefordshire, the headquarters of the SAS.
Defence officials have raised serious objections to the scheme, warning that placing a residential estate in such close proximity to one of Britain’s most sensitive military installations could open the door to espionage and sabotage, the Daily Mail reports.
The garrison serves as the operational base for three of the country’s most secretive special forces units.
More than 100 residents have also lodged formal objections with Herefordshire Council, which is expected to reach a decision on the application by October 22.
In its formal objection, the MoD stated: “As an operational Defence site, the security of the Garrison and its personnel is paramount.”
It warned building so close to the base would heighten the risk of hostile activity, including enhanced opportunities for visual intelligence gathering and a greater likelihood of trespass.
Stirling Lines houses three hyper-elite units whose work is heavily classified.
The MoD warned the housing development could create opportunities for visual intelligence gathering and a greater likelihood of trespass
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The 22 Special Air Service Regiment (22 SAS) undertakes high-risk counter-terrorism and hostage rescue operations, while the Special Reconnaissance Regiment (SRR) conducts covert surveillance and intelligence missions.
A third unit, 18 (UKSF) Signal Regiment, delivers secure communications, electronic warfare capability and intelligence support to special forces operations.
All three units represent a cornerstone of Britain’s most sensitive military capabilities.
The MoD cautioned residents would face round-the-clock disturbance from helicopters, firing ranges, generators and camp attack alarms throughout the year.
The SAS headquarters in Stirling Lines in Credenhill, Herefordshire
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It argued inevitable noise complaints from new homeowners could pressure the military into curtailing activities at the garrison, ultimately undermining its operational effectiveness.
Traffic posed another significant worry.
The base already generates close to 3,000 vehicle movements daily and the MoD warned additional cars from the development would worsen congestion.
It would possibly create “a security concern as service personnel, their families and other individuals working at the Garrison can be put at risk in static traffic”.
Even landscaping drew scrutiny – defence officials insisted any trees planted near the site would need careful assessment to ensure they could not serve as climbing aids or elevated vantage points for potential spies.
Upwards of 100 local residents have formally opposed the James Spreckley Ltd application to Herefordshire Council.
Many cite fears of flooding linked to recent surface water runoff.
A proposed drainage pond included in the plans also sparked concern a nearby cemetery could be at risk of inundation.
John Woodward, a local, told the Daily Mail: “Building 250 new houses opposite the camp is a massive security risk.
“Sensitive military sites like this should be safeguarded to ensure the UK’s defence capabilities and strategic readiness remain intact.”
Another source warned military families, who frequently relocate to the area at less than six months’ notice, would struggle to find places for their children if local schools were overwhelmed by demand from the new development.
They added: “If approved, this development will disproportionately and negatively affect military families connected to the nearby Garrison, which are often required to move into the area at short notice (less than six months).”
In their planning submission, James Spreckley Ltd stated the homes would cater to a broad range of households, including young people, key workers, first-time buyers and downsizers.
An MoD spokesman said: “We were consulted on the proposed development at Credenhill and conducted an assessment of the plans.
“It is now for the Local Planning Authority to make a decision on the application, taking account of all relevant considerations.”