The MoD has objected to a proposed 250-home estate opposite Stirling Lines, the SAS headquarters, warning it could facilitate espionage, trespass and noise complaints that would harm operational effectiveness. The department has asked to be consulted on the estate layout and for landscaping to reduce overlooking and trespass risks. More than 100 objections have been lodged; Herefordshire Council is due to decide by Oct 22. The developer says the scheme includes 88 affordable homes and brings social, economic and environmental benefits.
MoD Warns 250-Home Development Opposite SAS Base Could Threaten Security and Operations
The headquarters of the SAS near Hereford - SWNS
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has formally objected to plans for a 250-home estate proposed on farmland opposite the Special Air Service (SAS) headquarters at Stirling Lines in Herefordshire, warning the development could pose security and operational risks.
MoD Cites Espionage, Trespass and Operational Impact
In its submission to Conservative-led Herefordshire Council, the MoD described Stirling Lines as an "operational defence site of national importance" and said the proposed housing could be exploited by hostile actors for visual intelligence gathering and increase the risk of trespass.
"As an operational defence site, the security of the garrison and its personnel is paramount," the MoD said, adding that the proposal could "adversely impact on security considerations due to hostile activity."
Officials also warned that extra local traffic could put personnel and their families at greater risk and that noise complaints from new residents—about helicopters, firing ranges, alarms or generators—could force the MoD to alter activities on site, reducing the SAS's "operational effectiveness." "The garrison operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for 365 days a year," the department stated.
Planning History, Local Concerns and Developer Response
A separate development on a field northwest of the base was approved in 2021 but never built; the MoD later acquired that parcel. For the current application, the department has requested a formal role in reviewing the estate layout and asked the developer to adopt landscaping and design measures to reduce overlooking and trespass risks.
Defence chiefs have objected to the development of the 250-home estate - Herefordshire council/SWNS
More than 100 public objections have been lodged. A decision from Herefordshire Council is expected by Oct 22.
Local resident John Woodward told reporters: "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."
Plans show several of the proposed homes — including 88 affordable dwellings — would overlook the SAS cemetery, where soldiers who died in conflicts such as the Falklands, Iraq and Afghanistan are buried. Some neighbours described the proximity as disrespectful and worry about recreational disturbance to graves.
The developer, James Spreckley Ltd, said the scheme would provide a range of housing for younger people, families, key workers and others unable to access suitable market homes. In planning documents it argued the proposal would deliver "substantial social, economic and environmental benefits," including affordable housing, support for local services, construction activity, biodiversity net gain and new green infrastructure.
The council will consider the competing security, community and housing arguments before reaching a decision.
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