The military moved out of Connaught Barracks in April

The council said Prison Service officials confirmed on Wednesday Connaught Barracks was being considered as a jail for low-risk prisoners.

"We are outraged because they have failed to consult with local people," said Councillor Paul Watkins.

Planning permission would not be needed as the barracks is a military site.

It has been largely empty since the 1st Battalion Parachute Regiment pulled out of Dover in April.

We deplore the way these proposals have evolved Councillor Paul Watkins

The council said if Home Secretary John Reid approved the plan, the Prison Service wanted to take possession of the site within weeks and move 20 low-risk prisoners in.

There would be 100 inmates by Christmas with more than 400 over the longer term.

"We deplore the way these proposals have evolved," said council leader Mr Watkins.

"The Home Office and Prison Service will need to give categorical reassurances that local people's safety can be guaranteed."

Councillor Paul Watkins said the council would oppose the plans

The council said it believed the Home Office should have declared its intention within 40 days of the site becoming available and is calling for a meeting with Dr Reid.

Mr Watkins argued the site, near local schools and housing, was unsuitable.

It was a site of national importance opposite Dover Castle and important for the regeneration and housing needs of the district, he added.

Local residents have organised a protest meeting for Thursday.

Inmates are sent to open prisons to help their resettlement into the community. They are not locked up during the day and are allowed into the local community on temporary licence.

There are 15 open prisons in England and Wales, of which two - Standford Hill in Sheerness and Blantyre House in Goudhurst - are in Kent.

Anthony Franfield, of Goudhurst Parish Council, said residents in the village had a "happy relationship" with the prison.

"We are very positive towards Blantyre," he said.

"They contribute usefully and we communicate well with them."