Hampshire County Council expects to submit a long-awaited planning application for improvements to the A326, following months of delays to the programme. A spokesperson confirmed that development work is continuing for the scheme between Totton and Marchwood, reports the Daily Echo.

The application is accompanied by the preparation of an outline business case ready to submit to the Department for Transport.

The spokesperson said:

“Scheme development work is ongoing, including detailed work to support the forthcoming planning application. Given the complexities of the scheme, we are now expecting to submit a planning application in early 2026, as well as submit the outline business case to the Department for Transport around the same time.”

However, concerns remain about the potential impact on trees along the eastern side of the stretch.

Totton South & Marchwood councillor David Harrison, in a post on social media, said:

“Hoping for good news about the all important tree buffer that is located directly along the eastern side of the A326.

“The trees that provide all important visual cover and a sound barrier between the busy road and housing, stretching all the way from West Totton to Marchwood. I am really concerned that the plans to widen the A326 would involve removal of some or all of the trees, which also provide an important corridor for wildlife.

“My concerns are raised because the western side of the A326 is national park land and it is normally much easier to construct things outside land that has the highest possible level of protection against development.”

The £200m scheme aims to improve journey times and capacity along the busy Waterside corridor.

(Picture: Mapillary)