GCHQ Accommodation Plans Revised

GCHQ announced today that it had reviewed its plans to extend the "Doughnut" on the Benhall site and the extension as currently planned will not be built.

GCHQ's revised accommodation plans include:

• Improving the use of the Oakley site and investigating the possibility of releasing part of the site for redevelopment in accordance with the local plan
• Making better use of contractor premises to accommodate contractor staff working for GCHQ; and
• Investigating alternative, more affordable and flexible, expansion options on the Benhall site adjacent to the A40.

The revised plans do not diminish GCHQ's commitment to tackling the parking problems experienced by local residents as a result of GCHQ workers parking in neighbouring roads. GCHQ will continue to pursue plans to address these issues.

A GCHQ spokesman said "We have had to review our accommodation plans in the current economic climate, and concluded that an alternative approach will be much better value for money for the taxpayer. It is too early to say what will happen when, and we will, of course, need to obtain planning permission for our revised plans. I want to assure our neighbours at the Benhall site that we will still be addressing their concerns over parking. We will also consult our neighbours and take their views into account as our revised plans are developed."

GCHQ Press Office: Tel 01242 221491 ext 33847

Notes for Editors

1. GCHQ's plans to extend the "Doughnut" were the subject of public consultation in mid-November and submitted for planning permission on 19th December 2008. A decision on the planning application is currently awaited.

2. The part of the Benhall site adjacent to the A40 is currently used for car parking. Any development proposals would include re-providing car parking elsewhere on the Benhall site.

30 July 2009

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