11-storey glass tower removed as £1bn Fawley housing scheme plans amended

AN 11-STOREY glass tower which was to form one of the most impressive landmarks in the Fawley power station redevelopment has been removed, under revised plans.

Newly amended proposals submitted to New Forest District Council and the national park authority reveal that the tower, which is in the Northern Quarter of the near-£1bn scheme, will be replaced by a building 4-5 storeys high and of mixed use.

The change is just one of several differences in the new plans to those originally put forward last year.

Others include replacing residential properties in the Northern Quarter with commercial floorspace and a reduction in retail units in the area.

In what is described as the “heart of town”, a 330ft apartment block that was to replace the iconic Fawley tower is also being reduced in height and form. It will contain flats, restaurants, cafes and offices.

The change has been prompted, according to the new application, by the need to “reduce the impact” on the nearby national park.

At the time of the first application Aldred Drummond, the founder of development consortium Fawley Waterside, told the A&T that the penthouse apartments at the top of the tower would command sale prices over £1m, saying: “Views will have a big price tag.”

Surrounding buildings in the area, which is on the western edge of the development, have been reduced in height and mass.

The open space contained within Fawley Waterside has been amended to “reflect planning policy requirements” while an oak tree-lined boulevard will be created, with others planted along the esplanade.

An early years children’s facility is to be included on the site, with an introduction of flood defences within the authority’s design code.

The newly amended plans were submitted after a year-long consultation with the planning authorities, statutory consultees, key stakeholders and the local community. An extension to review the application has been granted until 28th August.

Mr Drummond said: “Over the last year we’ve worked collaboratively with the local planning authorities to ensure proposals encapsulate the ambition to build one of the most beautiful small towns in England, one with real economic purpose and considerable environmental benefits, that reconnects the New Forest to the Solent.”

* A previous version of the story stated the tower was to be reduced in size, rather than replaced. This has now been amended.