HAMPSHIRE planners have vowed to find a way of breathing new life into Gosport's Fort Gilkicker, which has royal approval.

They say they already know of two possible organisations that may be interested in developing the 19th century fort.

It has been revealed that £3.5m in grants was lost by the Phoenix Trust Foundation decision to pull out of the original 17-flat scheme.

The foundation, headed by Prince Charles, dropped out of the original £5m restoration project last month to the delight of local campaigners.

But county council leader Councillor Ken Thornber has now called for every step to be taken to find new partners and win back the cash.

Cllr Thornber remains mystified as to why the foundation turned its back on the listed building - not least because he was given the Prince of Wales' personal pledge of support.

Cllr Thornber said: "I'm not name-dropping but it was the one time I have met Prince Charles and he indicated how enthusiastic he was about this.

"That was about 15 months ago. It was clear they regarded that as one of their major successes. What has changed?"

He added: "We must look for alternative proposals. It's no use me looking back to a pleasant reception at Highgrove 15 months ago. Time moves on as do circumstances."