A MULTI-MILLION pound project to upgrade army barracks in Warminster has been welcomed by planners.

Soldier's accommodation will be improved at the Land Warfare Centre and Battlesbury Barracks.

Last Thursday West Wiltshire councillors raised no objections to the plans, which are part of Project Allenby, a £1bn building and modernisation programme which will transform army barracks across Salisbury Plain.

As well as Warminster there are plans to upgrade buildings at camps across the county, including Tidworth, Durrington and Bulford.

Over the next 10 years, outdated barracks with rooms sleeping four men will be extended and refashioned into modern units with single rooms.

Lft Col James Porter, a spokes-man for the army, said: "It's is good news for Warminster. The £1 billion contract will be awarded to a successful bidder."

A Private Finance Initiative will generate money for the project. It is a partnership between private companies and the Government.

Work in Warminster is scheduled to start in 2006 and could be completed in 2009.