Plans approved for first phase of Welborne Science & Technology Park West
The first phase of a major new employment hub at Welborne has been given the go-ahead.
Fareham Borough Council’s planning committee approved detailed designs for the Science and Technology Park West Neighbourhood on February 11, paving the way for nine new commercial units near Junction 10 of the M27.
The scheme forms a key part of the wider Welborne Garden Village development and is expected to bring research, manufacturing, logistics and warehousing businesses to the area, alongside office space. Councillors signed off all reserved matters, including the layout, scale, appearance, landscaping and access arrangements.
The development will be served by a new access road from the western arm of the roundabout north of the recently opened M27 Junction 10. (Watch the video embedded in this story to look back at some of the works already carried out to improve the junction)
The single carriageway route will include footways on both sides and a three-metre-wide cycleway, with speed limits reducing from 30mph to 20mph further into the site.
Pedestrian and cycle links will connect to the Welborne Mile Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) and the Funtley Link Path.
Eight of the units will line the northern and western edges of the site, facing inward with parking and service yards in front.
The ninth and largest building will sit in the south-eastern corner, with its service area facing towards the motorway.
Unit 9 will be the tallest structure, reaching approximately 16.65 metres at the highest point of its haunched roof, with eaves rising to around 14 metres.
The remaining buildings will range in height from just under nine metres to around 13 metres. To reduce noise impact, acoustic fencing up to four metres high will be installed along parts of the site boundaries, including sections facing neighbouring land and green space.
The employment area is designed to support job creation within the new community, which will eventually deliver thousands of homes, schools, green space and supporting infrastructure as part of the Welborne Garden Village vision.