A WINCHESTER parish council has won a victory over defence chiefs in a “David and Goliath” battle to stop an Army base expanding without improving the local park.

South Wonston Parish Council took on the might of the MoD by objecting to £270m plans to turn Worthy Down camp into a training centre for all three services.

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. The scheme includes 92 new homes for military families.

The seven-strong parish council argued service families use South Wonston recreation ground and play space was already in short supply. They fought for more cash to improve facilities.

Defence chiefs had argued for a 66 per cent cut in the contribution they have to make – known as a Section 106 agreement - because there are sports grounds and a play area at Worthy Down.

But the parish council was supported by Winchester City Council’s open space officer and the MoD retreated.

The latest proposals, which are to be considered by city council planners today (Thursday June 20), include £86,130 for sport – the full amount - and £63,870 for play, reduced by about a third.

A report to councillors said the parish council would spend the cash on play equipment, expanding the skatepark and BMX track.

Meanwhile the sports contributions would help pay for a new sports pavilion and extra tennis court.

The parish council also successfully fought for an improved footpath and cycle route across farmland between Worthy Down and South Wonston where service children go to school.

Potential links over farmland to Andover Road in Winchester, which is to be closed to traffic as part of the Barton Farm development, are also being investigated.

South Wonston parish councillor David Selby said: “We have withdrawn our objection. We are pleased that we have got the funding for sports and play. We hope it will considerably improve the facilities available and benefit people in the family quarters.”

Mr Selby also welcomed progress towards a safe off-road cycle route from Sutton Scotney to Winchester via South Wonston and Worthy Down.

Conditions of planning consent include £410,345 for highways improvements, including a possible mini-bus service to Winchester for service personnel which can also be used by locals.

However a request by the parish council for land for allotments and a graveyard has been rejected.

The land is currently leased to a local farmer and under the terms of his contract can only be taken back for defence purposes, say MoD chiefs.

Winchester planning officers have recommended the planning committee approve the plans.

The new college 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 Generals Corps, which will remain.