The original barracks building is due for refurbishment as part of the plans Pic: Tony Worrall

Preston’s barracks is set to expand with plans to add more troops.

The Army’s application to build extra buildings at the Watling Street Road site is due to be approved.

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A reorganisation of the military means 20 senior non-commissioned officers need to be accommodated in a new block at the Garrison ward barracks next to the officers mess.

The proposals include refurbishment of the current grade-II listed barracks building at the same time, which also increases the number of bed spaces.

Archaeologists at the county council say there needs to be archaeological work carried out ahead of the building work.

They state: “There is potential for the proposed block two to encounter structural remains of the former Infantry Barracks as well as evidence for the line of the Roman road known as Watling Street.”

City council planning officers say although a number of trees would be lost due to building work it will be beneficial.

They write: “The proposed development is part of a MoD programme to secure necessary improvements to accommodation for serving officers and has been sensitively designed to integrate into the existing site, having regard to the setting of listed buildings and the character and appearance of the Fulwood Conservation Area.

“The proposed development would lead to the loss of a significant number of low-moderate quality trees but the scheme would make provision for adequate mitigation for this loss by the planting of appropriate new trees.”

Garrison ward councillor Charlotte Leach said: “I think that it is great news that Fulwood Barracks is to house regular soldiers once again, something which will not only boost the local economy, but also continue the long standing tradition we have in Preston of military involvement in the community.

“With regards to the planning application to build more accommodation on site, I have not, as of yet, been contacted by nearby residents with their views on this matter. However, what I will say is that as Fulwood Barracks falls within the Fulwood Conservation Area and there are a number of Grade II listed buildings on site, it is important that the new buildings fit in with the aesthetic of the Barracks.”

The plans are due to be heard on Monday 1 September at the city council’s planning committee and if approved the Army say the building work will be complete by April next year at the latest.