The Brecon Beacons National Park Authority has deferred a decision on proposals to develop 120-acres of land for at least 50 training exercises a year.

Training: The new facility would add to the existing ranges

Concerns were raised about a public footpath which crosses the proposed site and those living nearby have expressed fears at the close proximity of the land to nearby villages.

An estimated 300,000 soldiers use the Eppynt army ranges at Sennybridge, Powys.

The MoD now wants to create a new training ground 10 miles away alongside the Infantry Training Centre for Wales, at Dering Lines, Brecon.

It considers Dering Lines as one of its key training centres.

Refusal

The new site would be used for a variety of training, including bayonet fighting and battle shooting exercises.

The training would also include the use of smoke grenades, simulated grenades and blank firing of light and medium machine guns.

But planning officers are recommending refusal and the decision has been deferred for a month.

The MoD asked for time from the park authority to consider the objections.

Park officials have registered their concerns that a right of way runs through the site and the proposed training area is too close to built-up areas.

It is also feared the scheme could severely affect the peace and tranquillity of the national park.

But Powys county councillor Susan Francis said she hoped the scheme would go ahead, as the Army had brought "a lot of money into the area".

Brecon Town Council is due to discuss the issue at a meeting on 3 December.