Prospect of 65 jobs secures green light for new business units

A DEVELOPER has said about 65 new jobs could be created by plans for industrial units given the go-ahead on an “eyesore” site behind homes in Fawley.

The set of 24 small business spaces were praised as “absolutely fantastic” by councillors on New Forest District Council’ planning committee, which unanimously approved them for land off Lime Kiln Lane in Holbury.

Applicant Glenmore Commercial Estates said the scheme would include upgrading a footpath to the north of the site into a cycleway linking to Roman Road, and a 2.5-metre sound barrier to protect neighbours. Noisy activity would be kept away from homes, it said.

Cllr Allan Glass said: “As the ward member for Holbury I am very pleased to see this application being made, because this patch of land has been boarded up for years. It’s been an eyesore for years.

“We have had travellers move in on it a couple of times which have taken time to get out. The footpath often goes to mud and people have to avoid it. This is a win-win all the way.

“I look forward to the units being built and people being able to earn a living.”

Fawley Parish Council recommended permission, although four residents of nearby Harrier Green had lodged concerns about disturbance, more traffic, and the height of the acoustic fence – which had originally been proposed at 3.5 metres high.

Cllr Maureen Holding said: “It’s absolutely fantastic that this site is being used for small business units which are very badly needed. It’s affordable and flexible.

“It’s affordable compared to other buildings which means younger people will be able to set up businesses.

“We’re bringing quite a few people into the area with new housing so of course we need to think about the carbon footprint of traveling by even more people. It’s great we’re thinking of new business units locally.”

A further potential stumbling block was that the buildings did not reach “excellent” BREEAM commercial energy efficiency standards.

But a committee report said the type of structures proposed would, by their design, struggle to meet the required levels, so “very good” would be acceptable in light of the additional “new employment opportunities”.

Speaking for Glenmore, Max Plotnek said: “There will be 65 new employment opportunities, which will boost the local economy, and there will be associated local benefits of skills – also through the construction.”