THE SAS is facing a fierce battle with developers to stop hundreds of homes being built next to its headquarters.
Top brass fear the houses will be used for sabotage or spying on the rural base of the special forces unit — motto Who Dares Wins.
Developers want to build 250 homes just yards away — but the MoD warned they would facilitate “hostile activity” by enabling “visual intelligence gathering” and increase the risk of base break-ins.
They also warned of noise for new residents “not limited to helicopter activities, the use of firing ranges, the camp attack alarm and generators”.
It warned Stirling Lines, in Credenhill, Herefordshire, operates around the clock every day of the year.
The MoD said: “Hereford Garrison is an operational defence site of national importance.
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“The security of the garrison and its personnel is paramount.” It has also raised flooding fears for the SAS cemetery from a proposed drainage pond.
More than 100 objections to the plans have already been submitted, with some raising fears of espionage.
John Woodward, who lives nearby, wrote: “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 remains intact.”
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Other residents have raised concerns about the effects on wildlife.
Developer James Spreckley Ltd insists 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”.
Herefordshire Council is to decide on the development by October 22.
MUTT’S NUTS NIBBLE
A MINISTRY of Defence police dog that bit his handler on the genitals is among mishaps at military sites last year.
The dog, named Sem, has now been retired from duties.
Other cases included a soldier who lost part of a finger dropping a dumbbell at a regimental gym — and a visitor who broke four teeth and fractured a shoulder in a life raft at an RAF training hangar.
Accidents to the military and all visitors are reported to the Health and Safety Executive.