THERE are still no clear plans for the former Camp Hill prison site.

Director of regeneration, Chris Ashman, was questioned by councillors at last Thursday's policy and scrutiny committee for regeneration, housing, planning and the environment about the 'elephant in the room'.

The former prison site has remained vacant since the jail closed in 2013.

The draft regeneration strategy, released by the council last week, lists the site as 'suitable for residential/commercial/community/social infrastructure space. Large green field site, strategically located between Newport and West Cowes, within Medina Valley Key regeneration area'.

Although the site is listed on the council's regeneration website, it does not expand on any specific plans for the site.

Mr Ashman said the 'size of the project' was a challenge.

He said: "We wanted to go for projects that would be far more under control and would be more deliverable.

"That being said, in the spirit of the wider agenda, clearly in terms of the use and the ability of that site, it has been a matter of interest to the Conservative administration from day one."

He said key partners in negotiations were the Ministry of Justice and Homes England.

Ward councillor for Parkhurst, Cllr Andrew Garratt, asked whether the Isle of Wight Council was looking to buy the land.

Cabinet member for regeneration and business development Wayne Whittle said: "We don't know what's involved but it is an asset of land, and where it is situated next to the hospital, it is ideal."