Work on RAF base to begin (From This Is Wiltshire)

DEMOLITION work at RAF Lyneham could start before the end of the year.

Some of the more derelict buildings at the base are set to be removed before a planning application for the new defence technical training centre is submitted next spring or summer.

An update on the plans will be heard at the Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Area Board meeting on Wednesday, September 26.

In the meeting agenda, a spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said: “To streamline the construction period it is possible some advance works will be undertaken at the site. “This could include the demolition of some of the most derelict buildings or site infrastructure works. “It is envisaged that these could commence later this year and continue into spring 2013. We will provide further details on these works when available.

“Prior approval notifications for any demolitions will be submitted to Wiltshire Council. “We have agreed with the council that a photographic survey will be undertaken of all buildings prior to demolition and each notification application will be accompanied by detailed method statements and ecology impact reports.”

At present, colleges and training centres across the country teach personnel from all three military services. The creation of the new training centre will mean thousands of personnel from the services will be located at the base to learn all the technical skills they need.

Up to 25,000 students a year could be housed at the defence technical training centre, which would be fully established by 2020, with 1,950 students and staff there by 2015, rising to 4,300 when training is established.

Public exhibitions of draft plans are expected to be held in March, before a planning application is submitted next year.

Technical surveys on site are already under way with some traffic counts being undertaken on local roads next month.

The Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Area Board meeting takes place at Cricklade Town Hall from 6pm.