Vehicle recovery site at R S Recovery Limited, Holbury Cottage, Holbury, Southampton

What was proposed

The application sought a vehicle recovery site, workshop, containers, portacabins, hardstanding, lighting, gates and fencing on a former scrapyard.

“Proposal: Change of use from scrapyard to vehicle recovery site; reconfiguration of site to include erection of 1no. workshop, 6no. shipping containers, 4no. portacabins & 1no. toilet & shower unit; replacement and new hardstanding; external lighting; erection of electric entrance gate and perimeter fence; removal of 1no. portacabin (ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)”

Officer report

The site and its surroundings

The 0.6-hectare former scrapyard lies in open countryside, beside a home, waste transfer station, woodland, protected sites and a public right of way.

“The application site (just over 0.6 hectares in size) comprises a former scrapyard and is currently occupied by areas of concrete hard surfacing along with a telecommunications mast. The site is accessed from Park Lane (an unclassified, adopted highway) to the east of the site. The north east corner of the site is adjoined by a large, detached residential property, Holbury Cottage. A waste transfer station adjoins the southern boundary.”

“The site backs onto an area of woodland and beyond this lies a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) (approximately 30 metres from the site boundary). The woodland to the south east of the site (across Park Lane) is a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) and also forms part of Holbury Manor (a scheduled ancient monument).”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier applications covered telecommunications equipment, including a 2002 refusal later allowed on appeal and a 2026 prior approval decision.

“Application under part 16 of the Town & Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order in respect of the siting and appearance of a generator, cabinet, panel and all ancillary development (26/00411PATC)- details not required (prior) on 01 June 2026”

“Erect a 25 metre lattice tower, antennae, equipment cabinet and compound (02/75054) refused on 03 July 2002 (Subsequent appeal allowed on 05 February 2003)”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the employment-site redevelopment was acceptable in principle and could avoid significant harm through appropriate conditions and mitigation.

“The proposed development relates to the redevelopment of an established employment site and would therefore fall to be assessed primarily against Policy DP44 of the adopted New Forest National Park Local Plan 2016-2036 (2019) (herein referred to as the 'Local Plan').”

“With regards to any relevant material considerations, paragraph 88 of the NPPF states that planning decisions should enable the sustainable growth and expansion of all types of business in rural areas, both through conversion of existing buildings and well-designed, new buildings. Paragraph 89 states that the use of previously developed land, and sites that are physically well-related to existing settlements, should be encouraged where suitable opportunities exist.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council objected over drainage, while consultees raised matters including noise, lighting, landscaping, archaeology and drainage; highways, trees and contaminated land officers raised no objections.

“New Forest District Council Environmental Protection (Contaminated Land): No objections:”

“Hampshire County Council (Highways): No objections raised:”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

A public participant spoke in support of the application.

The decision

“Decision Planning consent granted subject to conditions Conditions 1. Development shall only be carried out in accordance with the following Plans and Documents: Location Plan – 3000 P04 Proposed Site Plan – 3001 P11 Proposed Warehouse – 3002 P05 Base Materials – Proposed Base (uploaded 5 December Planning Committee Meeting 7 2025) Additional Buildings – 3003 P04 Boundary Treatments – 3004 P02 External Lighting Report (JCC 12 February 2026) Drainage Report (Geosmart 21 April 2026) Tricel Novo Wastewater Treatment Specification (uploaded 2 June 2026) Package Treatment Plant Performance Certificate (PIA uploaded 2 June 2026) Environmental Noise Impact Assessment Report (ES Acoustics 11 March 2026) Ecological Appraisal Update (Aluco Ecology Ltd August 2025) Transport Statement (Prime Transport Planning July 2025) No alterations to the approved developmen”

Minutes, 21 Jul 2026