A long-derelict industrial site is set for a new lease of life after proposals to turn it into a round-the-clock vehicle recovery base were given the green light.

Plans to transform the former scrapyard in Lime Kiln Lane, Holbury into a regional hub for recovery vehicles were unanimously approved by members of the New Forest National Park Authority on Tuesday.

The scheme, submitted by R S Recovery Limited, will see the site changed to include a workshop, portacabins and a shipping container.

Parts of the development have already been carried out retrospectively.

The business, a nationwide roadside assistance and vehicle recovery firm headquartered in Tipton, said the site will support the siting, maintenance and repair of its fleet.

It will operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, but with reduced activity overnight limited to callouts.

Sixteen full-time staff will be employed at the base, working across shift patterns.

Speaking at the meeting, Shaun Conway of R S Recovery said the company had already made significant improvements to the previously vacant site.

He said: “The site was previously a scrapyard, suffering from issues of contamination and poor management. We have removed contaminated soils, responsibly disposed of waste, modernised the site and improved its overall appearance.

“We have integrated ourselves into the local community and have a good working relationship with our neighbours to ensure they are happy with our presence, and our impact is minimal.

“By allowing this scheme you are allowing a local employer to continue operating responsibly, investing into the site to improve worker conditions, support local employment, and operate from a clean, safe and well-managed facility.”

Members of the park authority voiced support for the application, noting both the improvements already made and the lack of objections.

Cllr David Harrison, Liberal Democrat for Totton South, said: “It’s about 50 years since I visited this site, and it was a scrapyard at that time, where I used to get bits for my Ford Escort. The site is much improved from what it was beforehand.

“I totally buy into the fact we have got a responsible applicant here. It says it all, that there are no objections.”

Cllr Joe Reilly, independent for Ashurst, Bramshaw, Copythorne and Netley Marsh, added: “I will have to go along with the recommendation [to approve] as you have put forward a very good case.”

✍Original copy by Maya George, Local Democracy Reporter