Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps the Government has taken to improve infrastructure in the local area for the upcoming expansion of Weeton barracks.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) announced its intention to expand Weeton Barracks in the estate optimisation strategy "A Better Defence Estate" in November 2016. Defence is delivering this work through the Defence Estate Optimisation Programme (DEOP), with timescales looking out to 2040. Given the scale of the DEOP, and the fact that it will be delivered over 25 years, plans continue to be refined to best support operational capability. The MOD's intent remains the delivery of a regional light infantry centre in Blackpool, which will include the future relocation of HQ North West from Fulwood Barracks to Weeton Barracks. As part of this work, Defence will engage fully with Local Authorities and wider community from an early stage and will follow the normal statutory planning process regarding its redevelopment. Parliament will continue to be updated regularly on our plans.