Garrison expansion may trigger massive home building project

Vast tracts of land at Catterick Garrison are being earmarked for potential development under new plans which could see up to 4,000 new houses built and 3,000 jobs created in Richmondshire by 2026.

“Homes for heroes” and the regeneration of shops at the base’s town centre are included in the proposals, which form part of Richmondshire District Council’s Local Development Framework.

The council’s leader John Blackie, said there were several reasons why the focus had fallen on the garrison.

“The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has a land bank of parcels of land most suitable for developing affordable and normal housing. By focusing on the garrison we want the MoD to look at where some of the land can be released for housing,” he said. “Amongst those houses will be many homes for heroes - soldiers who have bravely served their nation in the army and want to stay in Richmondshire. A large percentage of our residents’ population are soldiers and their families. We need to make sure there is a provision for homes for them.”

Coun Blackie said the plans would form part of the second phase of the £1bn expansion of Catterick Garrison, which aims to successfully merge the military base with the town’s civilian population.

He said: “The first phase brought Tescos and a number of smaller stores on what was surplus army land, as well as a massive new sports complex. The second phase will see a lot of the 1950s and 1960s small shops and other developments created for the Army raised to the ground and a new development built its place.

“Plans are very soon to be submitted to the district council and the developer is very hopeful that it has attracted some big names in the retail field to establish a presence there.”

Plans were first announced in 2005 for a modernisation and expansion programme which would see the addition of another five battalions to the existing six units to create one of the Army’s Super Garrison sites.

Each battalion would have 600 to 650 troops and with their families the Army base’s population would grow to 25,000; almost double the existing number.

Catterick Garrison’s town centre is being seen as key to the expansion programme becuase it will provide improved facilities for the wider civilian community.

Coun Blackie said: “The garrison itself is seen as a centre for employment and its expansion is a driver for the rest of the district. We will be very proud of it when it is completed and so will the Army as well.”

Residents in the district are being urged to have their say on the latest LDF plans, which will go live on Richmondshire Council’s website today.

While details of specific sites have not been put forward. broad areas for new housing and employment development are proposed for Richmond and Leyburn, alongside Catterick Garrison.

Coun Blackie said: “We are focusing very much on the garrison but we have a hugely diverse population in a very diverse area and we must make sure we cater for the whole district. We are looking at building 200 houses a year with a target of 4,000 houses by 2026 - with an affordable housing target of 40 per cent.

“If all the employment land allocated is taken on we should be able to deliver an additional 2,500 to 3,000 jobs.”

The plans will be out for consultation until October 26.

Richmondshire Council planning chairman Coun Jane Parlour said: “It is a tough job and we think our approach gives the best balance between meeting future development needs and keeping what’s best in Richmondshire. But it‘s important that we hear what local people, communities and organisations have to say about it too – so I urge them to have their say.”