Plans for Bishop's Waltham business units signed off

As previously reported, Winchester city councillors agreed last year to develop the site off Lower Lane, which is already owned by the council but is currently vacant apart from a single derelict building.

The depot covers 0.95 acres and is situated in a former quarry. In the past it has been used as a base to store refuse freighters serving local parishes, but the site has remained vacant in recent years.

The plot has previously been considered for a number of development options, including a new fire station and housing, but neither were considered suitable.

A report, whch went before the council’s cabinet last week, said: “The disposal of the site to Hampshire Fire and Rescue was considered over a number of years.

“The transaction did not proceed as only part of the site was required and the balance of the land would have been difficult to develop in isolation.

“The physical characteristics of the site do not lend it to a residential development and there is a shortage of suitable employment premises.”

It added: “The buildings currently on the site are in a very poor condition and are of no architectural merit.

“The demolition of the buildings and redevelopment of the site with modern, well designed premises will improve the appearance of the area.”

The report also said that it aimed to create new jobs and revenue streams through the development.

In addition to the three business units, the plans would create 30 parking spaces and a lorry bay in the service yard.

Once built, the council says it will give preference to tenants which “do not have the potential to cause a nuisance to neighbours”.

A planning application for the site will now be submitted in due course.

The cost of the scheme is not been revealed to the public as it considered ‘exempt’ by the council under the Local Government Act, but spending plans approved by councillors earlier this year earmarked £1million to be spend on the scheme in 2018/19.