ROYAL Navy bosses have been accused of preventing the regeneration of a waterfront site by revamping their base rather than move out.

Anthony Sargent, general director of the Sage Gateshead, said the Navy's decision to remain at the HMS Calliope building on the Tyne was ignoring the wish of residents.

The Ministry of Defence has submitted a planning application for a £1m revamp of its Royal Navy Reserve Unit building.

Mr Sargent said: "It seems they will be turning it from a rather dismal shed into an obtrusive, monolithic shed. But what is really lost in the redevelopment of HMS Calliope is a fantastic opportunity to give people a riverside walk."

But Calliope executive officer Lieutenant Commander Andy Collier said: "The plans we have presented are an attempt to be sympathetic and reflect the modern architecture.

"We want to stay in the area for reasons that make sense to us - for safety, for our crews, for ease and because it is a hugely significant site for the Royal Navy, right on the banks of the river we have a connection with."