Development land to let - Former Sawmill, Ringwood Road, Netley Marsh, Southampton, SO40 7LT

<strong>Description</strong><br>The site comprises a 10.31 acre plot containing industrial buildings along with a detached standalone office building positioned to the eastern side of the site. The site benefits from B2 class consent only and has historically been used an operating Sawmill. <br /> <br /> Whilst most of the buildings are 'wind & water tight', certain buildings will need significant investment to enable the buildings usable into the future. Two access points also supports operational flexibility. The sale will include the adjoining Mumms Copse.<br><br><strong>Planning Opinion</strong><br>Savills Planning has undertaken a pre-app in respect to the potential for the property. This is available on request.<br /> <br /> The site has a long-established history as a sawmill, operating since 1943 and recognised in the Forest North East Conservation Area Character Appraisal as an important traditional rural employer within the New Forest. While the appraisal supports adaptation and modernisation of the site to reflect changing technology and demand, it does not support a wholesale change away from employment use. <br /> <br /> Although currently vacant, the site remains designated for employment purposes. The Local Plan supports the redevelopment of existing employment sites under Policy DP44, which encourages offices, rural business units and easy in/out units, while discouraging general warehousing uses. The site is currently classed as Use Class B2 & employment use (General Industrial). While limited conversion to B8 (Storage and Distribution) may be possible under permitted development rights, this is restricted to 500 sq m and would require planning permission for full redevelopment.<br><br>