A PROPOSAL to build 500 eco-homes on the former Connaught Barracks site at Dover moved a big step closer this week with the announcement that English Partnerships have bought the land.

The news was announced on Tuesday - described as an historic day for an historic site - during a visit by Baroness Margaret Ford, chairman of English Partnerships.

District council chairman Cllr Paul Watkins said it as “a major step forward” in Dover’s regeneration plans.

English Partnerships plan what is described as “a sustainable and nationally acknowledged scheme of eco-excellence” that will put Dover at the forefront as a national leader in this field.

As well as 500 homes, community facilities will be provided on the site, and local residents will be asked what they want to see there.

Work is due to start on the development brief for the scheme next summer, with consultation due in February 2009, and plans being finalised later that year.

The developer will be appointed in 2010 when construction work will begin.

Baroness Ford said it would be a quality development.

The 1st Battalion the Parachute Regiment moved out of the barracks - which covers an area of 56 hectares - in April 2006, ending Dover’s 1,000-year history as a garrison town.

Plans to use the site as an open prison were opposed by residents led by Malcolm Scott who welcomed this week’s announcement.