PLANNING permission for a major development overlooking Southampton Water has yet to be granted - two years after the £800m scheme was backed by councillors.
An application to transform the former Fawley power station site was approved by the district council in 2020 - subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement.
But delays in finalising the agreement mean the applicant, Fawley Waterside Ltd, is still waiting for the consent to be issued.
The matter was raised at a meeting of the authority by Cllr Mark Clark, who wanted to know why the application was still listed as "awaiting decision".
Cllr Diane Andrews, cabinet member for planning, cited a complex set of negotiations involving the council, the developer, Hampshire County Council and the New Forest National Park Authority.
She added: "Significant work is going on to complete the agreement as soon as possible."
Last night Cllr David Harrison told the Daily Echo: "Although this is an agreement that involves a lot of different parties, it is something that should have been given a priority and is taking a surprisingly long time to deal with.
"It might well be a reflection of the lack of resources and capability of the planning department at the council."
Members met in July 2020 and supported proposals to provide 1,380 homes and a 2,100-space car park, plus a large amount of employment space.
During the five-hour debate the application was described as one of the biggest the committee would ever have to determine.
Aldred Drummond, chief executive of Fawley Waterside, said: "Our ambition is to build one of the most beautiful towns in England and one with solid economic purpose."
Most of the 18 councillors at the meeting voted in favour of the proposals.
Chief planning officer Claire Upton-Brown was authorised to grant consent subject to the completion of a legal agreement covering various aspects of the scheme, including the provision of affordable housing, a community centre and a nature park.
Most of the power station, including its 650ft chimney, has since been demolished.
A Fawley Waterside spokesperson said: "Fawley Waterside looks forward to completing the Section 106 agreement as soon as possible."
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