The Ministry of Defence has confirmed to local MP Shailesh Vara that the site occupied by RAF Molesworth will be transferred to the Homes and Communities Agency in anticipation of the expected withdrawal of US forces from the base between 2020-2023.

Mr Vara, in whose North West Cambridgeshire constituency the base is situated, was informed by a letter from Defence Minister Mark Lancaster following a meeting with the Minister arranged by Mr Vara. The meeting took place last month in Whitehall and was also attended by Huntingdon MP, Jonathan Djanogly, Cllr Jason Ablewhite, Executive Leader of Huntingdonshire District Council and Cllr Jim White, who represents Ellington Ward which covers the base.

Mr Lancaster says in his letter that the HCA will take forward the development of the site and will do so by working with officials from HDC. At their meeting last month the local delegation raised concerns as to the suitability of the site for housing and in response Mr Lancaster has said that the HCA will be addressing issues of sustainability and the infrastructure required for a housing development. 

Mr Vara said:

“This is a huge site and there are a number of issues of serious concern for any plans for developing it. It is vital that the local community and HDC are closely involved in any future proposals for the site. I will be staying in contact with Mr Lancaster, the Defence Minister, and as soon as the land has been transferred to the HCA I will be arranging a meeting with local representatives so that we are involved right from the outset in shaping its future."

Cllr Jason Ablewhite said:

“The issues with making a sustainable community on the Molesworth base far outweigh any benefit. We have a number of sustainable strategic sites already being allocated for housing in our local plans coming forward and I firmly believe that alternative uses to housing should be sought by the Ministry of Defence.”

Cllr Jim White added:

“While it is disappointing that there is no further defence requirement for the Molesworth site following the withdrawal of US Forces, it is perhaps inevitable that the base would be considered as an option to meet national housing demand. I am encouraged that the Minister has recognised the need for appropriate engagement with local representatives from the outset, so that local residents can quite rightly have their say in any future outcome”.

| Letter to Mr Vara from Defence Minister, Mr Mark Lancaster TD MP