Concerns over new fences at Herefordshire military base

Enforcement officers are investigating whether large new razor-wire-topped fences at a Herefordshire military base are lawful.

The Ministry of Defence says the new fences at the extensive Pontrilas Army Training Area (PATA) northeast of Ewyas Harold comply with permitted development rights which allow military facilities to undertake works without having to get planning permission locally.

The solid grey fences are being installed along either side of roughly a mile-long stretch of Elm Green Road, a public highway, replacing wire fences screened with tarpaulins.

But a Herefordshire Council spokesperson said that while the MoD was entitled to install fencing of up to 4.5 metres “where this is linked to national security”, its enforcement officers were currently investigating “to confirm the exact height of the fence and whether it conforms to the permitted development rights”.

A representative of the local Ewyas Harold Group Parish Council added it was “talking to Herefordshire planning department about the installation of this fence”.

Though little is made public of activities at PATA, it is thought to be used for training of special forces including the SAS based at nearby Credenhill.