IT's a place that has been in the Hampshire military history books for almost two centuries.

Now Gosport Borough Council is taking steps to make the 19th century Haslar Barracks, near the former Haslar Hospital, into a conservation area.

Civic Chiefs say the move will to tighten up planning rules and help ensure that any future development preserves the site's special character.

Councillor Stephen Philpott, Chairman of the Gosport Borough Council Economic Board said: "Haslar Barracks are a unique set of buildings and frankly it would be a travesty, almost a crime, to see those buildings smashed up."

Councillor Philpott added that the conservation plans were not a barrier to development but would simply protect the site from unnecessary plans.

Built in 1802, Haslar Barracks is a Napoleonic-era infantry barracks which played a strategic role in the defence of local military establishments at a time when a French invasion was feared to be imminent.

In the early 20th century, it was used by the Royal Engineers and then, during the Second World War, an anti-aircraft brigade.

It was then occupied by the Royal Army Ordnance Corps before became a youth offenders' centre in the 1950's.

Finally, it become a an immigration holding centre before closing earlier this year with the owner, the Ministry of Justice, putting the site up for sale.

The council have also launched a consultation with local residents to have their say on the plans.

Rob Harper, the council's head of conservation and design, said: "The council has moved to designate Haslar Barracks as a conservation area, as it's important to get protection in place as soon as possible.

"To back up the conservation area and to make sure we have a strong, detailed case for protecting the site, we're drawing up this planning document.

"It will really help if local people help us to do this, and have their say on the future of this unique part of local and national history."

Residents can have their say online at gosport.gov.uk/haslarbarracks or by emailing conservation@gosport.gov.uk.