Temporary storage until 2027 at Site of Fawley Power Station, Fawley Road, Fawley

The site and its history

The site covers two areas of the former power station, where temporary wind turbine storage permission was granted in 2023.

“Reason: The application site forms part of a Strategic Site allocation that is expected to be developed in accordance with Policy Strategic Site 4 of the New Forest District Local Pan 2016-2036 Part 1. The proposed development would not be in accordance with this policy.”

“(23/10050) - granted temporary planning permission 3/5/23 Previous proposals relating to general storage on other parts of the former Power Station site 4.2 Temporary use of land for storage and distribution (Use Class B8) (retrospective) (24/10861) - granted temporary permission 12/2/25 4.3 Temporary mixed use of land for haulage and B8 storage (Retrospective) (24/11096) - granted temporary permission 12/2/2025 Previous proposals relating specifically to wind turbine…”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered a two-year temporary use acceptable because it would support economic activity without preventing longer-term redevelopment, subject to controls.

“As such, it needs to be considered whether a further short-term temporary planning permission (of two years) would be justified in the light of planning policy, the site's recent planning history and the scheme's environmental impacts.”

“The possibility that alternative proposals may come forward on this land before 31st December 2027 is not considered reason to refuse the temporary development that is now proposed. As such, the proposed two-year temporary planning permission is considered to be acceptable in principle. It would also be in line with temporary planning permissions 17/10805 and 17/11724 which also expire on 31st December 2027.”

Officer report

Who spoke

An agent, transport consultant and land agent attended, with the consultants present to answer questions, alongside the ward member.

What members debated

Members recognised the use conflicted with the strategic site policy and decided that one further year was enough time for longer-term proposals to advance.

“Members were referred to the written update note which had been published prior to the meeting.”

“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 committee’s decision

The committee granted temporary permission, changing the end date from 2027 to 31 December 2026 and retaining the report’s other conditions and reasons.

“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