DEFENCE chiefs are one step closer to revamping a Winchester army base.

Outline planning permission was granted for a new college at Worthy Down camp, near South Wonston, including 90 homes for service families.

The £270m proposals include demolition of 45,000 square metres of existing buildings to be replaced by 77,000 square metres of new training facilities, offices and storage.

A planning committee approved the proposal, after hearing the base needed substantial improvements.

Speaking for the MoD, Jon Rose said: “Current accommodation is extremely poor and the majority of buildings are in very poor condition and unfit for purpose in a modern training environment.

“We are committing a very, very large investment to this site in order to provide a centre of excellence for training.”

Councillors unanimously supported the plans, praising the impact the improvements would have.

Cllr Ray Pearce said: “I’m delighted this is finally going to come in the future. Worthy Down has always been a good neighbour and this is an excellent scheme.”

Cllr Kim Gottlieb added: “This is a great opportunity for the city to reinforce its support for our armed forces.”

The development also provides more than £500,000 for improvements to the local area, including highway improvements and a mini-bus for both base and community use.

But councillors raised concerns over vehicle access, particularly at the exit onto Christmas Hill, where traffic moves at 60mph-plus.

Cllr Frank Pearson said: “I’m hoping that the county can deliver access improvements. It’s difficult enough for a car to pull out of there, let alone a minibus. We are talking about increasing the personnel using this site and that means families going to school.”

County highways officers confirmed they would consider the concerns but felt the junction had good visibility already.

The MoD is also making contributions to open space and play areas after the expansion was challenged by South Wonston Parish Council.

The parish will receive £86,130 for sport and £63,870 for play and intends to spend it on play equipment, expanding the skatepark and BMX track.

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

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.

It 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 General Corps, which will remain.

Mr Rose said a detailed application would be submitted once a contractor had been appointed, likely in spring 2014.