English Partnerships, the national regeneration agency, bought the site from the Ministry of Defence as part of the a national regeneration programme to return surplus public sector land to community use.

English Partnerships is already working on the project at Graylingwell Hospital.

The barracks, the former home of the Military Police, have been designated for residential development by Chichester District Council's development brief for the north-east of the city.

The site does not have any restrictions in the form of listed buildings and it is not in a conservation area.

English Partnerships southern regional director David Edwards said: "This is an outstanding site and a practical demonstration of the government's housing green paper by unlocking more surplus land to meet housing needs.

"English Partnerships is creating the potential opportunity for more than one developer to work with us on this single site, to increase the choice and delivery of new homes.

"We will see how developers respond, and will be working closely with the local planning authority.

"English Partnerships has agreed to create the opportunity for more than one developer to become a partner on selected sites such as this.

"It may offer the potential for smaller developers, including housing associations, to develop part of the scheme, and help increase the choice and rate of new homes.

"We are now inviting expressions of interest from developers who share our vision and commitment to take this project forward."

Interested development partners should send an email or call 01483 564660.

For a video report of the Graylingwell meeting click on the green button.