Electric vehicle charging hub off A34 near Winchester given go-ahead
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The "super hub" is to be built on agricultural land near Littleton
One of the country's largest electric vehicle (EV) charging hubs is set to built near Winchester.
The facility, proposed by Instavolt, would provide 33 ultra-fast charging bays for electric cars, 24 hours a day, at a site off the A34.
The company said it would allow drivers to "stop and charge at their convenience".
It was approved by Winchester City Council despite planners raising concerns about its visual impact.
The facility, described as a "super hub", will be built on agricultural land near Three Maids Hill Roundabout near Littleton, north of the city.
It will house a total of 44 ultra-rapid 150kw charging stations, including points for large vans and caravans as well as a restaurant and outdoor play area.
The charging hub will also have facilities for motorists
Lily Coles, hub development director of Basingstoke-based Instavolt, welcomed the decision, describing the facility as "completely game changing".
"People won't have to have that 'charge anxiety', or have to queue. People will have a quick, easy and convenient charge.
"A lot like having petrol stations across the whole of the countryside, this is exactly the same operational requirement to meet our carbon zero targets."
The council's planning committee unanimously backed the proposals at a meeting on Tuesday.
Chair Jane Rutter said: "We need to de-carbonise and we need to be leaders in this field across the south of England and I think in approving this application we will be."
Council planning officers had recommended the plans be rejected.
Permission was previously granted for a waste processing facility at the site which has not been implemented - the planning report expressed concern over the loss of a safeguarded waste site if the EV development went ahead.
The report also included concerns over the design and visual impact on the countryside.
Construction is expected to begin in summer 2024 with the facility operational by 2025.
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