ARMY officials have warned they may have to pull their logistics operations out of Bicester unless their redevelopment plans get the go-ahead.

The Ministry of Defence said if its outline plans to redevelop 630 hectares of land at Graven Hill for housing and industry were not approved, the most likely alternative was to “withdraw its logistics functions entirely”.

The Defence Storage and Distribution Centre, which sends out supplies to British troops around the globe, has been based at Graven Hill in some form since 1941. It currently employs 420 people.

But, the MoD claims if its proposals went ahead, the development could create 2,270 new jobs.

Councillor and Unite industrial trade union convener Les Sibley, who represents hundreds of members in Bicester, said: “The MoD is effectively holding a gun to the council’s head. It’s outrageous. The MoD is effectively saying if they don’t get planning permission then hundreds of jobs will be lost in Bicester.

“This is an appalling way to behave. We are talking about people’s livelihoods here.”

A planning statement, submitted with the application, says the MoD would recruit a further 200 people to work at a new “superstructure” at C-site, Arncott, where it wants to consolidate its operation.

The site would house a 70,400 sq m 18.6m high warehouse and parking, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

And a further 2,070 civilian jobs could be generated by creating a business park, school, pub/restaurant and shops at sites D and E.

The report said: “The alternative to the redevelopment of C-site, funded by the sale of Graven Hill, is for the MoD to withdraw its logistics function entirely, which would reduce the number of jobs in the area, and remove the attraction for MoD suppliers planning to locate next to the gateway to defence bringing with them additional jobs.

“This approach could leave a vast tract of land in the hands of a developer who would undoubtedly pursue a similar, if not more aggressive approach, to its development.”

The plans propose 1,900 homes, including 380 affordable, plus allotments and open space such as woodlands.

St David’s Barracks, part of the Graven Hill complex, which is home to the Royal Logistic Corps’s 23 Pioneer Regiment, would remain in military use.

Defence Infrastructure Organisation estates project manager Philippa Charles said: “We now have a significant opportunity at MoD Bicester to provide logistics facilities that meet military needs for years to come, while reducing defence operational costs in the future. At the same time, we can create much-needed employment space in Bicester, enabled by the new homes.”

Previously the council had ruled out housing development at the site as the planned 5,000 home eco settlement at North West Bicester will cater for the town’s needs beyond 2026.

It wants the MoD land used for industry, and potentially a new enterprise zone, but the MoD’s report said that was not financially viable.

Cherwell District Council said the application would receive “extensive consideration”.

It is likely to be heard at either December or January’s planning committee.