Detailed guide: Gosport Oil Fuel Depot redevelopment
Updated: Updated the body text on request from the Oil and Pipelines Agency to reflect the latest changes.
Oil Fuel Depots
The Oil & Pipelines Agency (OPA) is responsible for 6 Naval Oil Fuel Depots in the UK. It works on behalf of the Secretary of State for Defence. It is a statutory public corporation sponsored by the Ministry of Defence (MOD).
Gosport Oil Fuel Depot
The site comprises 2 site offices, the main site area that holds 17 storage tanks and the jetty area, which allows delivery to and from ships.
The site is on Forton Road, Gosport, Hampshire PO12 4TH.
The types of fuel stored at Gosport are kerosene (also known as aviation fuel, jet fuel or AVCAT) and diesel.
Site redevelopment
A multi-million pound redevelopment project to replace the tanks and upgrade other buildings which, subject to planning consent will commence in 2018.
The fuel tanks are over 100 years old and are approaching their end of service life. The project will ensure that the depot will be fully equipped to meet the future requirements of the Royal Navy’s new Queen Elizabeth Class carriers.
Work to be carried out
The redevelopment of the site will be phased in order for business to continue.
The existing tanks will be replaced with tanks of a similar size or smaller in some instances, although there will be fewer of them. The tanks will be cut down individually and replaced and phased in rows of 2.
The existing offices will also be replaced and there will be an improved site entrance and improved security provision around the site. A new gate house will be built with upgraded security provision around the site and the site offices will be relocated.
Project timescales
Work began in 2018.
The project is expected to finish by spring 2021.
Noise and disruption management
We will work with Gosport Borough Council to make every effort to keep potential disruption to a minimum. A construction traffic management plan is in place and is aimed to minimise any potential impact to residents.
When the tanks are removed there will be some construction noise and dust. We will be using contractors who are members of the Considerate Constructors Scheme, full and appropriate mitigation measures will be put in place to limit any impact on our neighbours and local community. In addition, noise and dust levels will be monitored on site to ensure that they fall within acceptable limits set by the local planning authority as part of the planning application.
Working hours
Access to the site is permitted between 07:30 and 18:30 Monday to Friday but actual working hours are restricted to 8am to 6pm.
Site access is permitted on Saturday between 07:30 and 13:30 but actual working hours are restricted to 8 am to 1pm.
Traffic management
There will be movement of materials and staff to and from the site throughout the construction period and a construction traffic management plan is in place to cover facilitate this. We are also working with the council, local communities and individuals to minimise road congestion where possible particularly during peak times.
The contractors’ offsite car parking is located within the vicinity of the Gosport OFD.
Site security
As an operational COMAH site, naval asset and construction site, we have a legal and moral obligation to ensure safety and security is maintained at all times.
Community Relations Team
We have a dedicated project team who are happy to answer any questions you might have. We will also be issuing project updates to our neighbours and any other interested parties.
You can contact the OPA Community Relations Team by:
By telephone: 08000 499 734
By email: GosportOFD@communitycomms.co.uk