Developer aims to redevelop site beside Windhover Roundabout

Wates Group is preparing to submit an outline application to provide industrial buildings and warehouses on farmland beside the Windhover Roundabout at Bursledon.

If the scheme goes ahead, 200,000sq ft of employment space will created on a 11.3 acre site.

Publicity material issued by Wates says the scheme could attract national and international companies, creating 758 jobs as well as boosting growth and inward investment in the area by £510.3m.

The forecast is based on several figures, including the amount of business rates that would be paid over a 30-year period.

The document adds: "The site is in the Solent Freeport area and near to the cities and ports of Southampton and Portsmouth, providing a pool of occupiers.

"Situated adjacent to the M27, the site has excellent transport links to London, along the south coast and to the wider motorway network."

A CGI of the proposed development, which will be built beside the Windhover Roundabout if the scheme goes ahead (Image: Wates)

But the scheme has come under fire from Paul Holmes, Conservative MP for Hamble Valley.

Posting on social media he said: "I have been made aware of material being distributed about a warehouse and industrial site on the Windhover Roundabout. This is completely unacceptable, it is the last strategic gap between us and Southampton."

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Mr Holmes said roads near the proposed site, including Hamble Road, were already operating at capacity.

Referring to plans to turn the former Hamble Airfield into a quarry, the Conservative MP added: "The excess traffic caused by this and the quarry development would be a perfect storm for local people. We must oppose this and stop this from happening."

Wates is preparing to submit an outline application relating to an 11-acre site next to the Windhover Roundabout (Image: Newsquest)

The scheme has sparked a mixed response on social media.

One person posted: "Surely anything that develops the the area, provides jobs, economic activity and tax to support infrastructure development is a good thing."

But another added: "Please tell us what we can do to avoid the complete ruination of this area."

A Wates Group spokesperson said: "Wates Commercial and Logistics has been promoting land at the Windhover Roundabout for a number of years and we are in the process of considering the best design and approach for the site, which could help meet local employment needs.

"While we have only recently begun consulting on proposals, we are committed to engaging in a thorough and meaningful way with both the local community and council so we can listen closely and respond to any feedback or concerns.

"Once this initial phase of consultation has been carried out, we will liaise fully with Eastleigh Borough Council's planning department."