A multimillion-pound transformation of a rundown former naval personnel estate has got the go ahead from Gosport BC.

Defying the downturn, the Hampshire-based borough council granted outline planning permission, marking the start of a £145m regeneration of the Rowner estate last week.

Built in the 1960s for naval personnel and their families, the properties were sold off in the 1980s.

But a lack of financial investment has seen the properties decline in value, and crime and anti-social behaviour rise in the area. Rowner Precinct remains in the top 20% most deprived areas in England.

Plans for regeneration have taken three years to reach this point with the Rowner Renewal Partnership, founded in March 2007, bringing together the Homes and Communities Agency, Gosport BC, Hampshire CC, Portsmouth Housing Association and Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd.

The Rowner Renewal Partnership spokeswoman, Hazel Warwick, said: ‘This is a very exciting day for the partnership, and represents more than three years' hard work in the planning and public consultation.'