Concerns over lack of car charging points in Fareham developments
At Fareham Borough Council’s planning committee meeting on November 18 a planning application for 16 homes in Hunts Pond Road, Fareham, was approved.
So was the conversion of a former scout hut in Montefiore Drive, in Sarisbury Green, into four two-bed flats and five one-bed flats.
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Hide AdBut concerns were raised about the lack of car charging points following the government’s hopes to switch to zero emissions by 2030.
The development of Hunts Pond Road is under the management of Imperial Homes Southern Ltd and will be offered as affordable homes when complete.
Director Joe Darrington said: ‘We’re not planning to put charge points in because planning requirements aren’t stipulated there.
‘The infrastructure is there for a conversion later but while it’s not required, we won’t install them.’
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Hide AdIn 2019 the government proposed forcing all new-build homes and developments to include charging points but this has not been implemented.
At the meeting, chairman of the planning committee and member of the Conservative administration, Nick Walker, said: ‘If our government is leading the charge on electric cars, should we be leading the way on installing electric charging points?’
Councillor Walker told The News: ‘It’s in the draft local plan but we can’t insist that new homes install them.
‘If it’s going to become mandated, perhaps we should insist they are put in and what about terraced houses with no parking. This needs more thought.’
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Hide AdCllr Walker said he will hold discussions with the developers. He said the council has no authority and the responsibility of installing car charge points currently falls on homeowners.
It comes as Hampshire County Council is asking for people to take part in a survey where people can point out where they want charging points.
Search for electric vehicle charging points on hants.gov.uk