Fawley Waterside outline planning applications withdrawn
PUBLISHED ON: 11 JULY 2024Press Release issued by Fawley Waterside
Fawley Waterside can confirm both outline planning applications for redevelopment of the former Fawley Power Station site have today been formally withdrawn. As a result, the current proposed masterplan will not be developed, and instead a new future for the site will need to be determined.
The decision to withdraw the applications has not been taken lightly but multiple assessments of the current scheme have shown that it is not viable. Fawley Waterside will continue working closely and collaboratively with both New Forest District Council and the New Forest National Park Authority to consider the most appropriate development strategy for the site.
Leader of New Forest District Council, Councillor Jill Cleary said: ‘The Council had been waiting for the signature of the applicant on the legal agreements for over a year, while the viability of the proposed vision for the site from Fawley Waterside Limited evidently became more at risk. As Leader of the Council, I am pleased that there is now clarity as to the state of play.
‘We look forward to working with Fawley Waterside, and their newly appointed team, to consider viable alternative development options for the site, that help us deliver on our Corporate Plan aspirations for People, for Place, and for Prosperity.
‘Recognising the Freeport designation of the site, and the recently committed review of the New Forest District Council local plan, it is timely for us all to be able to consider how best this site can help to deliver benefits to the New Forest community, economy and environment.’
New Forest National Park Authority Chairman David Bence said: ‘We note the applicant’s reasons for withdrawing the applications and look forward to working with the new Fawley Waterside team.
The former power station site is, uniquely, entirely enclosed by the New Forest National Park and any successor scheme will need to meet an exceptionally high standard of design and layout that has regard to the landscape and setting of the National Park. Any redevelopment of the site must be comprehensive and integrate with its surroundings, delivering meaningful benefits for nature and wildlife and taking opportunities to improve public access.’
In the immediate term Fawley Waterside will continue to manage several short-term commercial tenancies. The company also remains committed to all its pre-existing strategic partnerships.
Fawley Waterside would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support and looks forward to the next chapter.
History
Fawley Waterside Limited purchased the Fawley Power Station site from RWE npower in 2015. The company submitted two outline planning applications for redevelopment of the site to New Forest District Council and New Forest National Park Authority in May 2019 for 1,500 homes and the creation of over 2,000 jobs.
On 27 July 2020 both planning committees considered the applications and agreed to grant planning permission subject to the completion of a Section 106 Agreement and the imposition of the conditions. Demolition of all former Power Station structures was completed in 2023.
Key Contact
Tamsin Pearce, Communications Manager, Fawley Waterside Limited
Tel: (+44) 7764 150 986
Email: info@fawleywaterside.co.uk
