A Pre-Sale Tactic by the MOD?

Ministry of Defence (MOD) firing ranges are areas with impressive biodiversity. This is because neither building nor agriculture occur in these areas. Firing ranges were created in 1876 in the UK, when the armed forces were granted access to common land. This was on the strict understanding, the areas remained open to the public, when not in military use (i.e. most of the time). These areas have been popular with walkers, cyclists and students of natural history. There is, however, a disturbing report of heavy-handed MOD attempts to exclude the public from using the Ash range site near Aldershot barracks (https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/jul/18/mod-using-scare-tactics-to-force-public-away-from-ancient-woodland). The locals are convinced that this constitutes an illegal closure. They also suggest that local bylaws are being wrongly imposed. Another report claims a local council and the MOD colluded to nullify environmental protections. This was so 'MOD land' could be sold at great profit for house building. Such sales might be turbo-charged by excluding natural history enthusiasts from firing ranges. If, nobody is even aware an area has a protected fauna and flora, sales can be rushed through. Lots of dosh for the MOD and happy house builders!