THE Ministry of Defence has stated it is pressing on with its development plans for barracks near Winchester.

Its Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has been drawing up proposals for Sir John Moore Barracks at Flowerdown, which is scheduled to close in 2026.

Senior councillor Caroline Horrill had suggested at a recent Council meeting that the DIO will pull out of the redevelopment.

Proposals have included 900 houses, a business park, park and ride site as well as retaining much of the site near Littleton as a nature reserve.

READ MORE HERE: Fears over plans for redevelopment of barracks near Winchester

Cllr Horrill, leader of the Conservative group on the city council, said there was no clear plan for the site and it appeared becalmed.

But in a statement the DIO told the Chronicle: "DIO are in the process of confirming the full planning programme for Sir John Moore Barracks with Winchester City Council. The future programme will include a series of public consultations and workshops, which will be announced shortly.

“We are working with the local community in the coming months and to start this programme of engagements to prepare a new masterplan for this important site”.

The barracks opened in 1986 following the closure of Peninsula Barracks in Winchester city centre in 1985.