CONCERN is growing that plans to create a "Venice of Britain" in a ￡2.3billion development on the south coast are on the verge of collapsing.

       In 2017, ambitious proposals were unveiled to create one of “most beautiful new towns in England”, at the heart of which is a stunning canal.

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       An artist's impression of how the proposed 'Venice of Britain' might look Credit: Solent 6

       The proposed plans for the new town - including 1.500 homes - could be about to collapse Credit: Solent

       The landmark project promised a state-of-the-art waterside town with driverless cars, 1,500 charming homes, grazing donkeys and ponies, a marina, and even its own amphitheatre.

       Involved in the designs for the new town - Fawley Waterside - were King Charles' favourite architects who have worked on projects for the monarch and his estates.

       The proposed 300-acre site in Fawley is located on the water at the edge of Hampshire's celebrated New Forest National Park.

       At the site previously was Fawley Power Station, however its 650ft chimney was blown up in 2021 as part of the plans to “transform a rich part of our industrial heritage into a thriving residential and commercial waterside community”.

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       Fawley Waterside is the vision of wealthy businessman Aldred Drummond, who owns the neighbouring Cadland Estate.

       However, locals are now worried Mr Drummond's “masterplan” was too ambitious - and he has stepped away from the day-to-day running of the project.

       Concern has also been raised over a lack of progress - as homes that were expected in 2023 have still not been built.

       Fawley Waterside - Mr Drummond's company - said it is launching a “review” over its plans.

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       In 2017 there was celebration when it was announced a new town would come to the south coast, promising modern homes, a school a hotel, a new nature park, and thousands of jobs.

       There was even talk of a revolving restaurant 650ft in the sky at the top of Fawley's chimney while it still existed.

       Fawley Power Station - where scenes from Han Solo and Mission Impossible 5 were shot - has been demolished to make way for the town.

       In 2020, the New Forest National Park Authority and New Forest District Council gave it the go-ahead on the condition legal agreements were signed.

       Inside one of the UK's most unspoilt villages located within a stunning national park

       However, four years have rumbled on without any being signed and locals have become “nervous” after Mr Drummond announced he is stepping back.

       District councillor David Harrison, who represents the area for Hampshire County Council, said: "Aldred Drummond was the chief driver behind the whole project.

       "It was an ambitious project which held the prospect of new homes, including affordable homes for a lot of people, the prospect of lots of jobs - particularly in the maritime sector - and a beautifully designed new town with a lot of environmental aspects.

       "This may be a significant and unwelcome development if it turns out the scheme will ultimately be dropped or drastically scaled back.

       "It promised so much in terms of the economic boost, jobs, and housing it would deliver - a huge amount of work has gone into it.

       "Hopefully there won't be a less ambitious project to be considered.

       "I hope it doesn't mean a scaling back of affordable housing because there is a massive need for that in the New Forest Area.”

       I just hope if there are any changes that they keep the same high quality development that is planned

       Fawley Parish Council chairman Alan Alvey

       Fawley Parish Council chairman Alan Alvey said of Mr Drummond stepping back: "I was surprised and a bit nervous and wondered whether it suggested a change in proposal for the scheme."

       Cllr Alvey added: "I just hope if there are any changes that they keep the same high quality development that is planned.

       "I think if the scale of it is reduced, I don't see that as a problem.

       "I think it is the quality of the development, particularly the housing that was the selling point for me."

       Businessman Mr Drummond - dubbed one of the “Leaders of Great Britain” - has had ties to the area since the 1950s, when his family's manor house was knocked down to make way for the power station.

       In a statement, a Fawley Waterside spokesperson said: "Aldred Drummond has stepped back from day-to-day management of the site, but remains part of a firmly committed group of investors behind the project.

       "The team is currently in the process of working with its advisors to review the current plans for the scheme and to determine the next steps to advance the development of the site, and we look forward to sharing further news in due course."

       Locals on social media suggested the plans are too unrealistic.

       "There's simply no place in this day and age for vanity projects", one said. "The days of empire, and financial extravagance, are long gone.

       'HARD TIMES'

       "Hard times are here, and the rich are now struggling to get richer, but the poor are still getting poorer."

       One sceptic added: "Crippling interest rates and the increase in the cost of raw materials have stuffed this scheme up. They can't raise the additional funds that are needed.”

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       Recruited to work on Fawley Waterside were noted architects Ben Pentreath and Leon Krier.

       Mr Pentreath has worked on “multiple projects” with the Duchy of Cornwall, owned by King Charles, while Mr Krier was behind the masterplan for Poundbury at King Charles' request.

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       The site of the Fawley power station as it looks now Credit: Solent 6

       The ambitious plans to transform the area were originally proposed in 2017 Credit: Solent 6

       Noted architects Ben Pentreath and Leon Krier have worked on the project Credit: Solent 6

       Landowner Aldred Drummond has pulled out of the day-to-day running of the project Credit: Solent