CCTV is set to be improved at Marchwood Industrial Park after a series of "security incidents" at the waterfront site.

The facility is owned by Associated British Ports (ABP), which has been given planning permission to replace two 8m lattice towers with three new ones that will be almost twice as tall.

The scheme aims to boost CCTV coverage by preventing tall trees in the area from interfering with the signal.

A letter that accompanied the application said: "The proposed lattice towers and CCTV units are all situated within the industrial estate at strategic locations to provide maximum CCTV coverage.

"The development aims to improve the security at the site in response to a series of security incidents.

"There are currently two 8m towers providing CCTV coverage. However, these are now subject to interference due to the growth of trees on the industrial estate.

"The intention of installing replacement CCTV equipment is to address the security risks which are detrimentally impacting the wider business purpose of Marchwood Industrial Park."

CCTV is set to be improved at Marchwood Industrial Park after a series of 'security incidents'CCTV is set to be improved at Marchwood Industrial Park after a series of 'security incidents' (Image: Newsquest)

The letter said a local planning policy "seeks to ensure that communities and workers are safe and feel safe".

It added: "This proposal seeks to support the safety and security of those working in and utilising Marchwood Industrial Park and reduce the hazards associated with crime."

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The scheme has now been approved by New Forest District Council, subject to conditions.

A council report said: "The area is predominately industrial in character, with larger buildings or open hard surfacing for parking/storage.

"Within this context, it is considered that the proposed towers would integrate with the existing character and appearance of the area."

New Forest District Council has approved ABP's application to replace two lattice towers with three taller structuresNew Forest District Council has approved ABP's application to replace two lattice towers with three taller structures (Image: Newsquest)

The report said two of the towers would be "well within" the industrial park. The third would be nearer the boundary, but would still be 80m from a conservation area and 170m from the nearest listed building.

Summing up, the report said: "The proposed development lies within the remit of an identified industrial park with a commercial character.

"It is considered that the proposal development would integrate within the existing industrial character of the site and would be well set back and screened from the sensitive heritage assets to the north-west of the site."

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The letter that cited "security incidents" was sent by ABP's planning agent, Savills, in October 2024.

An ABP spokesperson told the Daily Echo: "ABP, as a responsible business, always looks for appropriate ways to improve the safety and security of its sites.

"There are no recent specific security concerns around the Marchwood Industrial Park."