PLANS to privatise a Hampshire military base have fuelled fears that the site could be used to build an extension to Southampton docks.

Marchwood Military Port will be run by a civilian operator under proposals drawn up by the Ministry of Defence, which wants to raise £500m by selling some of its assets.

The 300-acre site employs 750 civilian and military personnel and makes a significant contribution to the local economy.

But relief at the Government’s decision not to close the facility is matched by concern that Associated British Ports (ABP) will bid for the land.

New Forest East MP Dr Julian Lewis said: “The nightmare scenario – closing the port and transferring its functions elsewhere – seems to have gone away.

“But if ABP takes over the freehold what else will happen alongside the defence-related activities. That’s the big unanswered question.”

Six years ago the company’s controversial application to build a huge container terminal at nearby Dibden Bay was thrown out on environmental grounds.

However, ABP is still determined to construct a new port on the western side of Southampton Water and has already expressed an interest in purchasing the military land.

Patrick Walters, ABP’s commercial director, said: “ABP’s interest in a sale of Marchwood would be determined, in large part, by the extent of ongoing military activity on the site.

“Until more detail is provided by the Government it’s difficult to be more definitive.”