HAMPSHIRE police has stepped closer to quitting its current headquarters in Winchester after submitting plans to build 300 homes on the site.

Bosses have confirmed that the force is seeking a new base further south in the county which is likely to be on the edge of the M3 or M27 between Winchester and Fareham.

The force has grown frustrated at the knockbacks from the city council over the redevelopment of its site at Romsey Road in Winchester.

Two redevelopment schemes have been rebuffed by planners and both are heading for a public inquiry this September.

Its plan for 300 homes would be the biggest Winchester city centre housing development since the renovation of Peninsula Barracks in the mid-1990s. Some 90 homes would have to be affordable.

The exact value of the land was unclear but as prime development land it would probably be worth more than £10m. The value would be dented by its proximity to the prison.

Simon Hayes, chairman of Hampshire Police Authority, said: "Having twice been refused planning consent to refurbish, we have been forced to look for an alternative way forward."

Michael Coombes, director of finance, said the force was looking for a new site in the area between Winchester, Southampton, Eastleigh and Fareham.

He declined to identify any specific sites although did say that development at its base in Netley was possible but unlikely.

Mr Coombes said the proposal did not necessarily mean that the force would leave Romsey Road. Neither would a successful planning appeal mean it would stay.

"We would have to weigh the options including the value of this site and the cost of redeveloping elsewhere. We have not been looking for definite sites but have looked enough to be confident that at any time there will be enough sites to meet our needs." He said it would be operationally and economically difficult to redevelop Romsey Road with a low-rise replacement and retain the 500 staff on site during construction.

Deidre Wells, planning consultant, said: "We estimate the 300 homes will mean around 294 cars which is about the same as now. There won't be an adverse impact on the roads. It will take the pressure off greenfields and meet housing needs in a big chunk."

She said the council was clear that it wanted the tower block to go. "The message from the planners is clear, they want the building down."