Plans to sell off historic naval land in Portsmouth are welcomed

Twelve military sites across the country are to be sold to generate £500m and allow 15,000 homes to be built.

One is the Grade II-listed HMS Nelson Wardroom in Queen Street, Portsea.

Speaking about the deal, Mrs Drummond said: ‘I very much welcome this news and the fact that it could lead to more homes being developed in the city, while raising money for the government.

‘The MoD owns a great deal of land and any that can be released for housing will play its part in reaching the government’s ambition to build 160,000 homes by 2020.’

Defence minister Mark Lancaster told MPs the sales are the first part of a plan to free up enough MoD land for 55,000 homes.

The council has already brokered a deal with the MoD to take over land in Tipner for redevelopment.