THE Ministry of Defence (MoD) has this week clarified its plans to dispose of land at Longmoor as part of its “better defence estate” strategy.

Although previously thought to extend over the entirety of Longmoor Camp, a defence infrastructure organisation spokesman said only the joint supply chain services will be sold.

“The area announced for sale is the joint supply chain services part of Longmoor,” he said. “This site equates to 20 acres and is run by Defence Equipment & Supply. The training area and ranges are being retained.”

The MoD has outlined the project and confirmed the “estimated disposal date” is 2019, at which point “all military units at the site will be re-provided for”.

But the fate of the 32 civilian staff employed at Longmoor remains unclear.

The parliamentary under secretary of state at the MoD, Mark Lancaster MP, explained the government’s better defence estate scheme.

“This strategy has examined the defence-built estate across the UK with the aim of taking a comprehensive, long-term and strategic approach to its configuration to deliver UK military capability, as affordably and efficiently as possible,” he said.

“The strategy will facilitate significant economic benefits, both in terms of the employment opportunities that will arise for the construction and services industries across the UK and in the release of surplus land for new housing and commercial development.”

With the joint supply chain services at Longmoor likely to go, Mr Lancaster added: “The Ministry of Defence will continue the process of detailed planning and necessary engagement with the local authorities concerned.”