PLANS for a major expansion of accommodation for military personnel at HMNB Clyde have been given the go-ahead.

In July this year the Ministry of Defence (MoD) submitted an application for planning permission to Argyll and Bute Council for 639 single-living accommodation (SLA) units at Faslane.

The four new blocks will be built on the site of former office buildings, previously known as the officers’ ward room, which have been demolished.

The plans also include associated parking provision.

It is expected that the units will take around 16 months to build.

It was stated in the planning application that around 300 of the bed spaces will be used for trainees who will be based at the site to undergo training.

SEPA initially objected to the major development, citing flood risk, but withdrew this after reassurances were made over drainage.

READ NEXT: Plans submitted for accommodation units at Faslane

A planning statement by agents Zander Planning Ltd, also submitted as part of the application, said: "The previous SLA units were not fit for purpose and were [un]inhabitable given their age, condition and lack of facilities (no hot water or heating). The buildings have now been demolished.

“The proposed development seeks to redevelop the site to enhance the quality of the interior space to occupants by providing improved living standards through better daylighting and space standards.”

In a report published alongside the latest application documents, a council official said: "The proposed development for a 639 SLA proposal has been assessed against all of the relevant local and national planning policies and has been determined to raise no issues or concerns."

The plans were approved with the conditions that various assessments including flood risk, drainage systems and biodiversity enhancement have been submitted and approved.