Temporary storage and distribution at Site of Fawley Power Station, Fawley Road, Fawley

What was proposed

The application sought to extend temporary Use Class B8 storage and distribution at the former power station site until 31 December 2027.

“The application seeks to vary Condition 1 of planning permission 24/10861, which allows for a temporary storage and distribution use (Use Class B8) on the site described above. Condition 1 of this permission states:”

“The submitted variation of condition application seeks to allow the continued use of the site for storage and distribution purposes (Use Class B8) for a further 2 years, until 31st December 2027.”

Officer report

The site

The 9.05-hectare site includes the former turbine hall basement and adjoining areas near the New Forest National Park, accessed by the main site road.

“The application site extends to 9.05 hectares and comprises parts of the former Fawley Power Station site. Specifically, the application site covers the large basement area of the former power station turbine hall, as well as adjacent areas outside of this basement - particularly those areas to the south and west of the basement, where the application site extends close to the wider site's boundary with the New Forest National Park.”

“Access to the site would be via the main access road serving the former power station.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended temporary permission because the use would provide short-term economic benefits and its impacts could be controlled by conditions.

“However, a short-term temporary permission until the end of 2027 would deliver short-term economic benefits and would in principle be justified whilst more long- term proposals for the wider power station site are being prepared and brought forward. The proposed temporary use would also accord, in principle, with Planning Practice Guidance as set out in Paragraph 10.8 above.”

“As such, based on the fact that permission is only sought until the end of 2027, (which would then align with the longest existing temporary planning permissions elsewhere on the power station site), it is considered that the proposal would be in accordance with policies STR1, STR6, ENV3, CCC1 and DM1 of the Local Plan. Accordingly, subject to conditions, it is recommended that temporary planning permission be granted until the end of 2027.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council recommended refusal, while consultees raised no objections subject to conditions covering operating hours, ecology and flood risk.

“Environment Agency: No objection. The Flood Risk Assessment demonstrates that the flood risk to the majority of the site is above the design flood level and that the site is therefore at a low risk of flooding.”

“NFDC Ecology: No objection subject to condition. No dusk emergence surveys have been undertaken on the underground tunnels. While the ecologist considers the likelihood of bats using these areas to be low, they have recommended that further surveys are conducted in 2026. Until there is further assessment either confirming the presence or absence or roosting bats, it is requested that condition 6 of the previous permission be retained requiring a minimum 5 metre buffer.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent, a transport consultant, a land agent and the ward member attended, with two participants present only to answer questions.

Members’ debate

Members recognised the use was contrary to policy and decided that a one-year extension was enough time for a longer-term application to be submitted.

“Cllr Hartmann declared a non-pecuniary interest as the local ward member and as a member of Fawley Parish Council, which had commented on the application. He reported that he had not expressed a view on the application and concluded there were no grounds under common law to prevent him from remaining in the meeting to speak and to vote.”

“Members at the meeting noted that temporary permissions had already been granted for a number of years and that the proposed storage use on the site was contrary to Policy Strategic Site 4 of the Local Plan. It was recognised that longer- term proposals for the wider power station site were being developed and members felt that temporary permission should only be approved until 31 December 2026.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee granted temporary permission but amended the end date to 31 December 2026 instead of 31 December 2027.

“Grant Temporary Permission (see note below)”

“As set out in the report, written update note and with an amendment to condition 1 to grant temporary permission to 31 December 2026, rather than 31 December 2027.”

Minutes