The Ministry of Defence is battling to stop a housing site being developed next to the SAS headquarters.

Military officials have shared their concern that the development could be used for espionage or sabotage thanks to its proximity to the army base.

As many as 250 homes could be built next to the British Army garrison Stirling Lines in Credenhill, Herefordshire, if developers get planning permission.

However, the MoD has argued that if the development – situated only metres away from the high security perimeter – goes ahead, opportunities for spying and other hostile activities would be created.

It said: ‘As an operational Defence site, the security of the Garrison and its personnel is paramount. 

‘Development close to MoD sites has the potential to adversely impact on security considerations due to hostile activity (whether by enabling increased potential for visual intelligence gathering) or an increased risk of trespass.’ 

The base is home to the 22 Special Air Service Regiment (22 SAS) – the elite special forces unit deployed in high-risk missions like counter-terrorism and hostage rescue, Special Reconnaissance Regiment (SRR) – a Tier 1 special forces unit that specialises in covert surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence gathering, and 18 (UKSF) Signal Regiment – which provides secure communications, electronic warfare, and intelligence support to the United Kingdom Special Forces.

The MoD also warned that there would be noise coming from its helicopters, firing ranges, generators and camp attack alarms at all hours and times of the year.

The Ministry of Defence is battling to stop a housing site being developed next the SAS headquarters in Credenhill

Military officials have shared their concern that the development could be used for espionage or sabotage thanks to its proximity to the army base housing SAS units (stock image)

‘Given the close proximity of the proposal to the Garrison, there is the potential for noise complaints from the new residents which could put pressure on MoD to amend activities on the site, which could in turn adversely affect the operational effectiveness of the Garrison,’ the MoD added. 

They said that there would have to be consideration for any trees being planted nearby in case they could be a ‘climbing aid’ or vantage point for would-be spies, while locals worried about the impact on wildlife.

A proposed accompanying drainage pond raised further concerns of potential flooding of a nearby cemetery.

More than 100 locals similarly objected to the James Spreckley Ltd’s proposals to Herefordshire Council, as first reported by The Sun, with many flagging their fears of flooding based on recent surface runoff.

Locals frequently wrote about concerns over an increase in traffic that they believed could not be supported with the current roads, although a Transport Assessment said there would be no discernible impact on the highways.

However, the MoD said the added cars on the roads would exacerbate current traffic from the military base, which sees nearly 3,000 vehicles enter the site every day, and could create ‘a security concern as service personnel, their families, and other individuals working at the Garrison can be put at risk in static traffic’. 

Local John Woodward said: ‘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.’

Another complainant highlighted the potential problems an influx of families would pose for nearby schools, which many military families are said to rely on and have to move to on short notice.

Mr T Ham said: ‘If approved, this development will disproportionately and negatively affect military families connected to the nearby Garrison, which are often required to move into the area at short notice (<6 months). 

‘If local schools are beyond capacity, there will be almost no scope for military families to find school places for their children. 

‘The jeopardy against military families and their children, despite them already having to make so many sacrifices, posed by this development cannot be understated.’

The Daily Mail has contacted James Spreckley Ltd for comment, however they wrote in their application that the homes would ‘support a range of households, including younger people, families, key workers, first-time buyers, downsizers and those who are unable to access suitable market housing’.

An MoD spokesman told the Daily Mail: ‘We were consulted on the proposed development at Credenhill and conducted an assessment of the plans.

‘It is now for the Local Planning Authority to make a decision on the application, taking account of all relevant considerations.’

Herefordshire Council will decide on the future of the development by October 22.