PLANS to improve security at a large industrial site opposite Southampton docks have been given the go-ahead.

Associated British Ports (ABP) has received consent to install taller gates and fencing at five locations around the edge of the 41-acre Eling Wharf, Totton.

Two years ago ABP bought the site in a multi-million-pound deal.

It was sold by Burt Boulton Holdings, which had previously been in talks with New Forest District Council over plans to create 350 jobs by building housing, leisure and retail facilities.

ABP said its purchase of the wharf was designed to secure employment and the key role the site played in supporting the port of Southampton.

The company added: “Port users have increasingly relied on Eling Wharf to support their operations as the port has become busier. As we progressively enhance the site over the next five years, we will work with the council to explore longer term options for Eling Wharf."

  • Disappointment as ABP buy Eling Wharf site

Now the council has approved an application to increase security at the site.

A report to members said: "The application relates to a number of individual sections of boundary that extend alongside the footway at Eling Lane.

"The southernmost elements are located within/adjacent to Eling Conservation Area.

"Residential properties are located on the opposite side of Eling Lane, some of which have an outlook that is directly towards the proposed fencing/gates."

The report says the new gates and sections of fencing will "generally" be higher than the ones they replace.

It added: "It is proposed to erect replacement boundary fencing and replacement gates in five locations around the periphery of Eling Wharf to improve security at the site."

The report said the new weldmesh fencing would look more attractive than the existing palisade design.

"The proposal is considered to represent an overall visual improvement in the street scene," it said.

CONTACT ME

t: 023 8042 4503

e: chris.yandell@

dailyecho.co.uk