Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make it his policy formally to consult the residents of Marchwood, Hampshire, about the sale of the lease of land and facilities at the site of the military port; and if he will make a statement.

There will be a formal opportunity to receive and hear the views of local residents in regard to the Marchwood proposal via the statutory planning process. Additionally in recognition of the ongoing concerns that local residents will understandably have, Ministry of Defence officials will continue to engage with local representatives and through the Local Planning Authority until the commercial arrangements are completed.

It is not yet known how interested parties will seek to develop the Marchwood site for commercial use over and above the continuing military use at this early stage in the process. Consequently, any consultation with the local community would, at this stage, be speculative.

I would expect the successful partner to consult with the local community regarding its plans for the site following the grant of the concession.