Fresh educational establishments and a medical practice will be essential for the residential scheme at Dalton Barracks once military personnel depart, a local representative has indicated.

Vale of White Horse district councillor for Marcham Robert Clegg has been tracking the Ministry of Defence’s proposals to deliver a fresh development comprising as many as 5,000 residences.

The Ministry has confirmed that the barracks complex and the former Abingdon Airfield, currently utilised by the armed forces, will be cleared and made available for construction in 2031.

A sustainable scheme is being put forward, constructed according to garden village principles.

A document distributed to local residents by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation in 2024 stated that the organisation was advancing proposals for a fresh development at Dalton Barracks. The document indicated that the long-term phased initiative aimed to establish a new neighbourhood, consistent with Local Plan policies for delivering a substantial housing-focused development.

The document further noted that the former airfield was already surplus to military requirements and could be developed ahead of the main site’s closure. Dalton Barracks itself would cease military operations, be vacated and released for redevelopment in 2031.

It is believed that preliminary site work could commence as early as 2028.

Mr Clegg, who speaks for Marcham on the district council, explained that he and Wootton district councillor Val Shaw have been holding routine meetings with DIO representatives to track the scheme’s progress, which has undergone public consultation.

Mr Clegg noted that within the existing Local Plan running until 2031, provisions exist for an initial 1,200 dwellings. Eventually as many as 5,000 residences could occupy the site, though this represents a projection extending to 2040. The first 1,200 dwellings would be located at the garden village nearest to Shippon. It is vital that amenities such as schools and a GP surgery are established to serve inhabitants. Residents should not face a repeat of the situation at Great Western Park where a medical practice was pledged but took years to materialise.

Mr Clegg highlighted that a fresh secondary institution could be necessary, along with several primary schools to accommodate 2,750 dwellings. He and Ms Shaw convene with DIO staff every six weeks to discuss the scheme’s progression.

Mr Clegg observed that productive, constructive dialogues have occurred with the DIO, noting that it is crucial the essential infrastructure to support this housing expansion is delivered promptly to reduce effects on the surrounding area.

The document indicated that the garden village would deliver up to 5,250 fresh, high-quality residences, including affordable options. There would also be new primary schools and a location for a new secondary school to serve both the development and the broader area. Bus services would be expanded and improved to connect the site with key amenities, alongside an extensive network of cycling routes.

The barracks complex, which houses 4 Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps, was designated a Garden Village in 2019. Since then, the DIO has worked alongside Vale of White Horse District Council and Oxfordshire County Council to prepare a draft vision.

A DIO representative stated that the Defence Infrastructure Organisation was advancing plans for Dalton Barracks to become a new Garden Village. The representative explained that Dalton Barracks Garden Village would function as a lively, environmentally sustainable, and inclusive new community, featuring up to 5,250 high-quality residences, including affordable options, alongside fresh schools, recreational amenities, and over 250 acres of parkland and green spaces. The organisation is presently in the preliminary phases of preparing the site masterplan and will soon be conducting detailed transport evaluations to comprehend and address potential development impacts, whilst shaping a long-term vision for the area. Once assessments have advanced, the organisation looks forward to reconnecting with residents later this year via its public consultation programme on the proposals. This input would play a significant part in shaping the emerging plans and the organisation is eager to hear from the community to ensure the proposals align with local priorities and ambitions. A revised consultation event and application timeline would be published later in the year.