A ROW has broken out over restoration plans at a historic Hampshire naval fort.

Regular dog walkers around Fort Gilkicker in Lee-on-the-Solent have expressed their anger over Gosport Borough Council's decision to close off public footpaths around the base and sell Military Road which leads up to the site.

Now, following public pressure, Gosport Borough Council have agreed to hold a public meeting to give residents a chance to question senior council officers about the Fort Gilkicker development, which is expected to be turned into 22 townhouses and four luxury flats valued at between £1.5 and £3m each by Wildboar Developments.

Debbie Gore, the council's head of planning and regeneration, said: "We understand what an important issue this is for many residents, and are happy to hold a meeting where people can find out more. We'll do our very best to answer residents' questions."

Marilyn King, who walks their dogs every day and is helping to lead the resident's campaign said: "The area used to be lovely with panoramic views of the sea.

"Now the council are attempting to privatise the area and turn it into a millionaire's retreat by closing the public right of way to the Fort from the road."

Fort Gilkicker was built between 1863 and 1871 by the Royal Navy to protect the Hampshire Coast from attacks by foreign vessels.

The fort ceased operating as a coastal defence base in 1956 and has been derelict for decades.

Planning permission to redevelop the site was first granted by Gosport Borough Council back in 2001 however, delays in securing an investor and developer for the site led to constant delays for almost two decades having changed ownership on three separate occasions.

Problems with trespass incidents by schoolchildren at the site at the site during the summer holidays last year also led to over 20 police call-outs causing developers to tighten security procedures and leaving the site with 24hr CCTV and security patrols.

The meeting will take place at 6.30pm on Monday, January 8 at Thorngate Halls on Bury Road in Gosport.