THE planned relocation of the Bordon military camp is facing a new problem - the building of the new camp in Wales will not begin for 18 months.

The building of a new military academy, that will house troops from Bordon and other garrisons, has been proposed for the existing Ministry of Defence (MoD) camp in St Athan, in the Vale of Glamorgan. Under the Defence Training Review, St Athan has been selected to become the home of a new Defence Technical Academy and Aerospace Business Park (artist's impression above).

But the proposed development is taking longer than expected to get off the ground, prompting concerns that Bordon soldiers will not be ready to leave in 2013, as previously announced. Speaking at the House of Commons last month, defence minister Bob Ainsworth said: "Progress on the Defence Training Review package one has been more difficult and prolonged than expected. However, I can report that considerable progress has been made in driving down costs and towards acheving an affordable, value-for-money package one, which is on track for an investment decision next spring, with the contract signature to come approximately 15 months later."

But the MoD and councillors from East Hampshire District Council remain hopeful about the plans. An MoD spokesperson said: "This is a long-term project and is still in the early stages of financial consultation. But we are still working with our preferred planning partner, Metrix, and the project still remains affordable. The new academy will be of international standing and will ensure UK military personnel continue to receive the very best training available."

Ian Dowdle, portfolio-holder for Whitehill-Bordon, said: "The signing of the contract is proceeding in accordance with the timescale we have been expecting. The Government has recently reaffirmed its commitment to the Defence Training Review and we fully expect the project to go ahead."

The project faces opposition from Welsh residents and anti-war campaigners.

Training at the academy will include mechanical and aeronautical engineering.