PLANNERS have given their consent for a new industrial development close to the M27 that developers claim will bring jobs and investment to the Fareham area.

Fareham Borough Council has approved the plans for a self-contained 50,000 sq ft industrial/warehouse unit at the two-acre site off Cartwright Drive, Segensworth – just off Junction 9 of the motorway.

The scheme will be known as “J9 South”.

Consent comes after the site was secured by Marick Real Estate.

The 10m high unit will include ancillary offices, car parking, a service yard and loading bay.

Joint agents Lambert Smith Hamilton (LSH) and Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) say they are in discussions with a number of businesses which have requirements in the area due to a lack of supply of new, high-quality industrial space.

It is anticipated that the unit will be available to occupy by the summer of 2018.

Firms already based at the site include Estee Lauder, Batleys Cash & Carry, Gestamp and Royal Mail.

Jerry Vigus, of LSH, said: “This is a major milestone for a project which will result in significant investment in the region.

“We have already experienced a high level of interest in this site due to its strategic location and the quality of the accommodation that will be on offer.”

The land at Segensworth was bought by Marick Real Estate from Raymarine, which had deemed it surplus to requirements.

David McGougan, director at JLL Industrial & Logistics, added: “This building offers a significant employment opportunity for the borough and seeks to address the shortage of industrial and warehouse space in the region.”