Gosport: Homes to be built on HMS Daedalus site

Up to 346 homes will be built on the former military base

A former military base is set to be transformed into a waterfront development.

Up to 346 homes will be built on the site of HMS Daedalus, in Hampshire, under new plans approved by Gosport Borough Council.

A museum, public open spaces and 48 retirement apartments will also be constructed over the next decade.

The Royal Navy Air Station at Lee-on-the-Solent was first used during World War One and closed in 1996.

The site began as a seaplane base in 1917 and played a vital role in naval aviation, serving as a training centre and supporting seaplane operations.

During World War Two, HMS Daedalus became a primary training hub for Royal Navy aviators, contributing to the defence of the English Channel and the D-Day landings.

Councillor Kevin Casey stressed the historical significance of HMS Daedalus, and said the "site cannot be forgotten".

"This site has a lot of heritage and history in many strands," he said.

"I hope that the developer will highlight that in some ways - I don't want to see boards everywhere around the site but there are subtle ways of doing it."

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