John Redwood

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The Under-Secretary of State for Defence, Derek Twigg, answered two written questions about Aborfield Garrison put by John Redwood.

Mr. Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department plans to seek planning permission for more housing development at Arborfield Garrison prior to disposal of surplus property and land. [150923]

Derek Twigg: The Ministry of Defence is required to obtain market value when disposing of surplus assets. Officials work closely with English Partnerships, regional development agencies, local authorities and other key stakeholders when considering its disposal strategy. This will often include an assessment of development and regeneration opportunities which can be taken forward by prospective purchasers.

Currently we are promoting the surplus land holdings at Arborfield Garrison within the emerging Local Development Framework for a residential-led mixed use re-development. This may lead to a planning application being made by MOD prior to disposal of the land.

Mr. Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what area of land at Arborfield Garrison he expects to become surplus to his Department's requirements by 2012; and how much of that area is designated brownfield. [150924]

Derek Twigg: Arborfield Garrison consists of Rowcroft Barracks, Hazebrouck Barracks and West Court Officers' Mess that are due to become surplus to the Department's requirements by 2012. The site areas are respectively 50.753 hectares, 67.332 hectares and 28.393 hectares. In accordance with Planning Policy Statement 3: Housing, we consider most of the land holdings as previously developed land (often referred to as brownfield land).

In addition there is 2.24 hectares not assigned to any of the above sites and a number of Service families accommodation, owned by Annington Homes Limited (AHL), that will become surplus to this Department and will be handed back to AHL under the terms of the 1996 Sale Agreement.