Gwyn Prosser said there was no logic in having a prison in Dover

Connaught Barracks was mothballed in April after its parachute regiment transferred to a new home in Wales.

Gwyn Prosser MP has complained to the Home Secretary, saying the plans are totally out of touch with local wishes.

The Home Office has refused to confirm the proposal but officials are to visit Dover District Council on Wednesday.

Council leader Paul Watkins said rumours were persistent a prison was being considered.

'Walk to freedom'

He said the proposals were unwelcome and inappropriate, and that he was writing to the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary to express his concerns.

"It would not seem appropriate to locate an open prison next door to a housing estate with a primary school and opposite one of the UK's top tourist attractions at Dover Castle," he said.

"The council has been actively engaged in discussing regeneration and housing options at this site and these proposals undermine that."

Mr Prosser added Dover already had a detention centre for removing illegal immigrants and failed asylum seekers.

"But at least there is some logic in having such a facility near a busy gateway port like Dover but there is no logic in adding to our burden by lumbering us with a prison at Connaught," he said.