Winchester planning officers spark zero carbon row over recommending refusal to build EV super hub off the A34

  Posted by: electime      11th December 2023

Planning officers have published a report arguing for refusal of an application for a large electric vehicle charging station at Three Maids Hill near Winchester.

A comprehensive application was submitted to the council by the leading rapid electric vehicle charging network, InstaVolt for a ‘super hub’ to be built just off the A34 for EV car drivers to use.

As well as providing substantial rapid charging for cars, there will be the provision of long bays for larger vehicles, vans, and towing vehicles, as well as accessible charging bays, providing much-needed enroute charging as the EV market grows.

This week there has been a significant delay to the proposed plans as case officers at Winchester City Council published a report recommending it to be refused before it goes before planning next week.

Basingstoke based InstaVolt, claim this is at direct odds with the council’s pledge to become carbon-neutral by next year. In the council’s local transport plan it states an aim of the council is “to accelerate the shift to low emission vehicles, for example through the provision of electric vehicle charging infrastructure”. This recommendation also goes against recent government direction to get renewable energy projects through planning quickly.

CEO of InstaVolt, Adrian Keen said: “In the face of pollution and sustainability issues, Winchester City Council has the opportunity to lead the way and future-proof society as EV ownership grows.
“By granting permission, the council’s planning committee would be helping to enhance the public EV charging infrastructure, ready for the EV revolution.”

Winchester City Council declared a climate emergency in June 2019 as well as stating its commitment to becoming a carbon-neutral local authority by 2024. InstaVolt believes approving the site would contribute considerably to these targets.

Adrian continued: “There are now more than 920,000 fully electric cars on UK roads, and it’s through having reliable and well positioned EV charging hubs and provision that will encourage people to make the switch to a more environmentally friendly and sustainable way to travel further than their local neighbourhood.

“The proposed new site would also encourage local economic growth through job creation, and as people charge, it could encourage them to explore the city of Winchester and enhance tourism.”

The application has also received support locally, with Littleton and Harestock Parish Council supporting the application, and after seeking further information, Headbourne Worthy Parish Council has removed its objection.

The site has planning approved for a waste recycling facility. But it’s the opinion of officers that InstaVolt doesn’t have an ‘operational need’ to be outside of the city limits (beside the A34), something InstaVolt disagrees with.

Adrian said: “We understand that our application is innovative, so it doesn’t fit within the policies of a decade’s old local plan. But the government has made it clear that low carbon EV projects, like this need to be going through planning more quickly. We’re offering the site to be used in a way which aligns with the council’s green agenda, and we don’t want to be immediately discounted.

”To say there is no operational need for this rapid charging hub, is saying that EV drivers do not need to charge their vehicle while on the road and away from their homes. We need common sense to prevail here.

“We take great care when considering sites for our hubs, including how we connect to the grid, which is another reason why this site is so well suited. The reasons for refusal are in no way substantive.”

The application has had numerous residents from both Winchester and surrounding areas get in touch to express their approval of the new proposed hub.
Tom Willoughby from Eastleigh commented on the application: “I am in full support of this application. I drive an EV for work, and the location of this charging hub would be beneficial as it’s so easily accessible from the A34 and M3. Those who drive an EV will know that no extra traffic noise will be caused due to EVs being extremely quiet, causing no disruption to residents or nearby animals; it’s also preferable to the proposed recycling development, which will create more dust and noise!”

The application is also supported by local businesses. Vincent Fuller from Basingstoke said: “Looking on from a business perspective, I work in a local Winchester car garage and have on many occasions been asked where is the best charging station when EV cars come in, so to know there is a new station with all the above amenities will be appreciated by our customers and in turn will bring more business into local family run companies like us. The UK is pushing the adaptation of EV’s and the only way this will happen is if the UK has good infrastructure in place, the impact will be phenomenal.”

Located just off the A34 at one of the busiest road networks linking the south with the Midlands and beyond, our Winchester Super Hub will be game-changing. The project represents a significant investment and highlights our commitment to expanding the UK’s rapid charging infrastructure on the strategic road network.
The plans will go before committee on December 12th.