PRESSURE is mounting for the Ministry of Defence to identify which of its land and assets in the county it will release for redevelopment.

Hampshire County CouncilÕs Labour environment spokesman Mike Roberts has written to defence secretary Geoff Hoon in a bid to bring to an end the uncertainty surrounding the release of MoD in Hampshire - which may include land in Bordon.

It forms part of the governmentÕs review of MoD-owned holdings throughout the country and may result in the sale of land no longer required by service personnel.

With much of the Bordon and Whitehill area being encased by MoD land it could have a significant impact in the town and surrounding villages if assets were to be sold.

It would open up the possibilities for more development and would mean that settlement boundaries could be expanded.

Mr Roberts said: ÒMy letter to the secretary of state seeks to concentrate the mind and those of his officials on a clear and early statement to enable the three strategic authorities and districts to examine opportunities that may come their way for housing and industrial allocations on principally brown-field land.Ó

Indications are that the abandoned RE Lines site and St Lucia Lodge off Linford Road are being considered for sale with the MoD recently submitting outline planning applications for both sites to secure confirmation that they could be used for housing.

A decision is awaited for both sites.

Mr Roberts said: ÒI have pressed upon Geoff Hoon the need for the MoD to make clear throughout all of Hampshire its intent before Easter.

ÒWe shall all await the response with interest.Ó