Plans for an EV Super Hub have been approved by Winchester City Council. The leading rapid electric vehicle charging network, InstaVolt, has been given permission to transform the Three Maids Hill site into a cutting-edge EV ‘Super Hub’, delivering much-needed EV charging infrastructure to the area.
City planners and councillors met on Tuesday, December 12th, and despite the application being previously recommended for refusal on five counts by officers, all councillors voted unanimously in favour.
Cllr Kelsie Learney, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency at Winchester City Council has fully backed the plans. Cllr Learney said: “We make decisions based on what benefits the planet as a whole and this is one of them. Without making it easy for people we know that they’re not going to reduce their carbon footprint.”
Basingstoke-based InstaVolt is delighted that the plans have been approved. CEO of InstaVolt, Adrian Keen, said: “The right decision was made by the council, and we can now press ahead to deliver this innovative and forward-thinking plan.
“It’s through having reliable and well-positioned EV charging hubs that will encourage people to make the switch to a more environmentally friendly and sustainable way to travel further than their local neighbourhood.”
The project represents a significant investment and highlights InstaVolt’s commitment to expanding the UK’s rapid charging infrastructure on the strategic road network. With a focus on renewable energy including large ground-mount and roof-mounted solar arrays and full on-site energy storage systems.
The Super Hub will be positioned just metres from the A34 junction, close to the M3, and just north of Winchester.
The main part of the hub would have 44 charging bays, including drive-through bays for large/towing vehicles and accessible charging bays, as well as an on-site restaurant.
Keen added: “We understand the importance of on-site amenities, and they’ll include food, drink, and toilets. We’ll also be improving leisure options for drivers on our network, including plenty of open green space and a play park for energetic children! It’s a great use of the site that otherwise could have seen a waste facility on it.
“As well as providing substantial charging for cars, there will be the provision of long bays for larger vehicles. We also understand how important it is to ensure our network is suitable for everyone, which is why our plans include designs to create accessibility for all.”
There are now more than 950,000 fully electric cars on UK roads, and this Super Hub, located just off the A34 at one of the busiest road networks linking the south with the Midlands and beyond, will be game-changing.
Work is due to begin on the site in the new year.
