FEARS that an army barracks near Winchester could be developed for housing were raised in a council committee.

The future of what will happen to Sir John Moore Barracks at Littleton is still up in the air.

As reported, the facility is due to close in around 2019-20 after the Ministry of Defence announced their intention to dispose of the land.

But it is not known whether the site will be sold off to a housing developer, or if it can be used for business space.

Sir John Moore Barracks only opened in 1986 but is now considered surplus to requirements by the MoD.

Michael Fallon, the Secretary of State for Defence, made the announcement in the House of Commons in November last year.

Former Winchester City Council leader Stephen Godfrey had hoped that the land could become a science park, and this idea was endorsed by the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, and Winchester MP Steve Brine also spoke of the need for the land to be used commercially.

However Liberal Democrat councillor for St Barnabas ward, Kelsie Learney, who lives nearby, said she has heard rumours that the site will become housing and pressed for an update about the site.

Council leader Caroline Horrill said: “It is sad that the MoD decided to consolidate the facility, it is an outstanding facility with a lot of gains for the locality.

“The Defence Infrastructure Organisation are tasked with getting good value for that site, but they are absolutely considering various options on that and there has been conversations with the M3 Local Enterprise and they are in dialogue with us. They said they want to close and their timetable is by 2020.

“That debate goes on and we are less in control of that from a planning point of view and we have had some early discussions with the local parish council to let them know.

“We know that there is a desire for the military to consolidate their estates and get the best value for them and it is our job to make sure that site and others contribute to the benefit of our residents, visitors and businesses.”

Liberal Democrat councillor Therese Evans questioned whether the plans to build a science park are still hoped, and former council leader Stephen Godfrey answered: “There is no change to the situation in the last few months. The MoD want to dispose of large parts of the site and no decisions have been known to us.”

Mr Brine said his views have not changed on the barracks.

He said: “Fear and reality are not the same thing. My view hasn’t changed and in that we are looking for employment opportunities and sticking to the current Local Plan which has been approved by the Inspector. Winchester City Council and I remain as one on this.”

“I am keeping the Defence Secretary updated on this and he remains a supporter of the knowledge park we continue to explore.”

An MoD spokesman said: “DIO has held initial discussions with the council who are keen to work with us. It is intended to develop a brief for the site that is employment focused but which may incorporate alternative uses and potentially a limited amount of housing.”