Ministry of Defence reveals plans for officers’ mess at St George’s Barracks, Edith Weston

A pond, cycle routes and a village shop are all included in plans for a new development.

The Ministry of Defence is pushing forward with plans to turn the four-hectare officers’ mess site next to St George’s Barracks in Edith Weston into homes.

After receiving feedback during the first stage of consultation, the design team has revised the plans and released key details at events over the weekend.

The consultation described the plans as being "a positive addition to Edith Weston with a design that incorporates aspects of the character of the village and the surrounding Rutland area."

Adding: “We envisage a tranquil place to live, anchored by public green space which fosters community cohesion within the village, by providing a variety of new homes suitable for a range of demographics.”

The Ministry of Defence initially said the space would be suitable for 99 homes but the number planned has now been reduced to 85.

Julie Gray who lives in the village is still concerned with the number of houses.

She said: “It is overdevelopment of a small village and sadly they haven’t actually listened to feedback.”

Julie added that she has concerns for road safety and children crossing the road particularly near the shop as well as the lack of transport connecting with the village.

The new homes would be varied in style and take inspiration from properties in the area.

Andy Wood, who has lived in Edith Weston on and off since he moved to the base in 1971 with the RAF, is in favour of the site being put to good use.

He said: “Something has to be done now. It can’t remain as it is.

“It’s a good idea.”

However he believes that there needs to be at least two car parking spaces for each property.

The Ministry of Defence has since confirmed the design allows for two parking spaces per household and each home will have electric vehicle charging provision.

Norman Milne said the areas he is most concerned about the most are sustainability and the environment.

There are plans for traffic calming measures to address speeding concerns, a village shop and public green space.

If approved, footpaths and cycle paths would also be created to promote active travel.

Coun Gale Waller (Lib Dem) who represents Edith Weston on the county council believes it is important to create the development in accordance with the village’s new neighbourhood plan.

She said the development should be “seen as an integral part of the village and not simply a housing estate adjacent to, but separate from, Edith Weston.”

St George’s Barracks is also earmarked by the Ministry of Defence for 2,245 homes. But Rutland County Council turned down £29.4m for supporting infrastructure and scrapped its draft Local Plan.

The Ministry of Defence is looking to submit an outline planning application in May before selling the land when the Army vacates the site in 2026.

James Ryley from the Ministry of Defence said: "We would like to thank everyone for sharing their comments, which has allowed us to continue our conversation with the community on the proposals.

"We are pleased that the feedback has in general been supportive of the indicative masterplan with many people recognising the need for new homes and a shared desire to create a new space where people can live and enjoy. Key questions were raised around parking and the number of new homes, and we are continuing to discuss these aspects with the council to ensure that the submitted plan is appropriate and addresses any concerns."

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