A decision on plans for a major redevelopment of MOD Stafford will be made by councillors at a meeting tonight.

Councillors will discuss the multi-million plans at an extraordinary meeting of the council’s planning committee at the civic centre.

The far-reaching plans have been submitted by the Ministry of Defence in order to prepare for the arrival of a new Army brigade at the base in 2015.

The Beaconside base is to be the home of 1 Signal Brigade when it returns to the UK from Germany in bringing 1,200 new soldiers to the town.

There will also be as many as 500 soldiers’ families moving to Stafford.Defence Estates Operations North has submitted the planning application to build 29 new buildings and make changes to the external appearance of 11 existing buildings for a variety of military purposes at the Beacon Barracks.

Planning officers recommend the plans are given the go-ahead, subject to addressing concerns from the Highways Agency.

The new facilities will include storage, workshops, vehicle washing, maintenance, a gymnasium, offices, training areas, a mess, medical centre and living accommodation.

It will also involve extending fuel storage facilities, additional car parking and an artifical sports pitch with floodlighting.MOD Stafford is already home to 22 Signal Regiment.

The move was originally planned for 2013 but was delayed by two years following a Government review earlier this year.

The Highways Agency have recommended the council does not grant approval until the MOD has provided details of the likely impact of extra traffic from the development.

Planning officers however have recommended the plans are given the green light so long as concerns from the Highways Agency are addressed.

They said the development of the base was already adopted as a key part of the council’s strategy for the town.

A report to councillors tonight said: “It is recognised that the Beacon Barracks site plays an important role within the town.

“The importance of the MOD establishments to the local economy is clearly recognised. The local economy will benefit from the proposal both through the direct increase in local employment opportunities and the significant indirect benefits to local businesses through the 1,100 additional permanent residents moving to the area.”