Heritage Lottery Funding has been awarded to Plymouth's derelict Fort Bovisand, to help it further develop its £16m plans to transform the scheduled ancient monument site into a visitor attraction.

Development funding of £352,500 was awarded to The Fort Bovisand Trust and could lead to a £4.32m grant for the public/private project, which will see part of the site converted into residences.

Owned by former director general of the BBC Greg Dyke, the fort has been a defence feature since Tudor times and played a role in World War II when it was manned by servicemen with anti-aircraft guns and searchlights.

Development plans include site renovations, visitors' interpretation centre, café and learning facilities.

The Fort Bovisand Trust has had initial discussions with Plymouth educational establishments, The Conservation Volunteers and the City Museum, aimed at engaging apprentices, volunteers and students.

Plymouth City Council leader Tudor Evans said: "This plan all helps add to the sense that Plymouth's time is really coming.

"Bovisand has had an interesting history and we look forward to seeing it become part of Plymouth's future visitor offer."

The finished development is expected to generate £40m for the local economy.