Site of axed Fawley Waterside project approved for temporary haulage vehicle use and storage until December.
The Fawley Waterside project was previously planned, intending to create thousands of homes. However, the project was cancelled last June because it wasn’t feasible.
In 2020, the council approved 1,500 homes and commercial space for the power station site.
Fawley Waterside is now seeking permission until December to store construction gear on Fawley Road. This includes equipment from an air-conditioning firm and electric vans from China. Mobile accommodation containers were included in the application.
The haulage company can continue using the site, which includes temporary offices and restrooms.
The Parish Council expressed worries about extra traffic, citing pedestrian safety and noise concerns, along with environmental impact potential. Residents echoed these concerns in 21 letters, although one person supported the plan.
A report recommended approval, stating short-term benefits are likely but more clarity about the future is needed. Transportation impacts were carefully considered, and the report concluded extra traffic is acceptable and won’t harm safety.
The Fawley Waterside scheme was cancelled last year. Council members subsequently discussed the current application.
The report highlighted early morning HGV traffic impacts, resulting in a restriction of site use before 6 a.m. on weekdays and greater restrictions on weekends. The report stated noise would stay within acceptable limits.
Councillor Wade questioned the site’s current use, arguing the now closed Power Station made less noise and commercial activity will have a strong impact. Another councillor disagreed, stating he hadn’t noticed noise issues and the road can handle more traffic.