PLANS to transform one of Hampshire’s biggest industrial sites have been given the go-ahead.
After an almost five-hour long meeting, civic chiefs at New Forest District Council approved the larger of two applications to redevelop land occupied by the former Fawley power station.
A total of 1,380 homes, a 2,100-space car park and 95,300 square metres of new commercial, civic and employment space will be built at the site.
The plans forward by Fawley Waterside Ltd are expected to create 2,300 jobs, most of which would be in the marine and technology industry.
PICTURED: An artist's impression of what the site could look like
Developer Aldred Drummond described the scheme as “the largest expansion of the New Forest landscaping for many many generations”.
But some residents and councillors raised concerns over the impact of the scheme on the A326 and local traffic.
At today’s meeting residents voiced their concerns and fear that the scheme would drive more traffic through local villages.
A local resident said the development and the dual carriageway on the A326 need to go “hand in hand”.
Some councillors asked for the decision to be deferred in order to have more details on the transport strategy.
But planning bosses said the startegy is comprehensive.
It comes as both developers and officers stressed how the project comes as millions of pounds are going to be invested into the local road network.
This include £8m worth of improvement to upgrade eight junctions along the A326 and the B3053.
Officers said they are satisfied that the proposed improvements mitigate the impact of the scheme on the highway network.
The whole scheme is expected to cost at least £800m.
Councillors also approved proposals for a primary access road through the site.
It would be about 2km in length with two new roundabouts.
An officer told members: “Your officers consider the road to be safe and one that will adequately meet the needs of pedestrian, cyclists and public transport.”
Another meeting is being held tomorrow, when members of the National Park Authority (NPA) will be recommended to approve a separate proposal to build 120 homes and a primary school, plus flood defences and a sea wall, on land surrounding the main power station site.
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