A Sarisbury pub is to close amid fears it could be sold off for housing.

The Sarisbury on Bridge Road is set to close after owners The Laurel Pub Company put it up for sale.

Negotiations are already under way with a property developer firm, a move that has sparked concern among locals as the pub is in a designated conservation area.

Leader of Fareham council Sean Woodward is urging residents to register their views on the plans.

He said: "I am horrified at the thought of losing this local landmark. The pub and its surroundings are steeped in the history of the area, which is why I asked for it to be included in the Sarisbury Green conservation area.

"I would be most interested to hear from Sarisbury residents what their views are on this, should, as expected, proposals be put to the council in the near future."

The Laurel Pub company has owned the establishment, previously known as the New Inn, The Bat and Ball and Flat Foot Sam's, since May 2001 when it took over the lease from Whitbread.

According to a company spokeswoman a corporate shake-up has meant The Sarisbury is surplus to requirements. She said: "We have had a massive strategic restructure within the company with the aim of putting all our outlets into five different categories.

"Unfortunately, as a result of that it was felt that The Sarisbury would not ideally fit into any of them and the decision was taken to put it on the market.

"We also believe that there are alternative Laurel Pub outlets in the area that could meet the needs of our customers."

She added: "I am able to confirm that we are in negotiations with a property developing firm for the site."

It is believed a national property developer is the front runner to buy the site with the intention of building 20 homes there. As a designated conservation site a special application would have to be applied for to demolish The Sarisbury. Specific requirements would also have to be met with any new development.