PLANS to transform a Hampshire military base that forms part of the proposed new Solent Freeport could cost £300m and create hundreds of jobs.

Solent Gateway, a civilian operator that leases Marchwood Military Port from the Ministry of Defence, has submitted an application to New Forest District Council after months of consultations.

Solent Gateway says the scheme could create a further 350 jobs on the site, taking the total number of port-related posts to 1,100.

The proposed development includes offices, additional hard standing, extra security facilities and improvements to the port's roads and rail network.

A Solent Gateway spokesman said: "Following extensive environmental studies and consultation with stakeholders and local communities, plans to increase the capacity and efficiency of Marchwood Port have been finalised and a planning application submitted.

"The proposals will create new jobs and mark an important milestone for the port, which forms part of the new Solent Freeport."

The spokesman said the scheme would enable a "wide range" of cargoes and commodities to be transported through the port and stored onsite.

Port director Richard Parkinson added: "The submission of our application to the local authority is a significant milestone in the development of Marchwood Port and the benefits we hope to deliver to the local and national economy.

"This application is the product of many months of work by our specialist project team and extensive consultation with stakeholders and communities.

"If approved the development will unlock Marchwood Port’s potential, attracting investment and exciting opportunities for both the local area and the wider region.

"As well as creating new jobs Marchwood Port will be one of the first sites able to deliver opportunities generated by the Solent Freeport programme.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the residents, local groups and other stakeholders who have taken the time to give us their thoughts on our plans. We will continue to work with the local community as the proposals move forward.”

Solent Gateway is spending £50m on the port but says potential investment by third parties could take the total to £300m.

"Once fully developed the port is anticipated to support up to 1,100 jobs including on and off-site employment," said a spokesperson.

As reported in the Daily Echo, the proposed new freeport - one of eight in the UK - is set to create more than 25,000 jobs across Hampshire.

Freeports will be free from the usual customs rules, planning policies and business taxes that apply elsewhere. Businesses will be able to import materials and components and then export them without the normal tariffs or regulation.

Built during the Second World War, Marchwood is Britain's only military port.

In 2016 the Ministry of Defence granted Solent Gateway a 35-year lease to manage and operate the 205-acre facility.