Former HMS Daedalus naval base plans get go ahead

The former HMS Daedalus site will be redeveloped as a manufacturing centre of excellence

Plans for the future development of a former Hampshire naval base have received council approval.

It is hoped about 4,000 jobs will be created on the 82 hectare (800,000 sq m) Solent Local Enterprise Zone on the old HMS Daedalus site in Lee-on-Solent.

The airfield was operational until 1996 is set to be turned into a business park for the advanced aviation, marine and aerospace sectors.

Zone commercial director Gary Jeffries called it "hugely significant".

In 2011 the former airfield, one of the largest brownfield sites in the region, was announced as one of 24 locations for the government's new "enterprise zones" designed to boost economic growth.

The plans were approved by Fareham and Gosport councils.

Mr Jeffries said it was "highly significant" and "a massive boost" for the Gosport peninsula.