Swordfish FAQ
- What are the proposals?
- Why is the site being brought forward now?
- Will the future buildings be fixed now?
- What are the benefits of the proposals?
- How many jobs would be created?
- What type of planning application will be submitted?
- Will all the buildings be built at once?
- Will there be landscaping between the site and existing homes?
- How would vehicles access the site?
- What is happening to Taxiway B?
- When is the feedback deadline?
- What is the expected timeline?
Fareham Borough Council is bringing forward emerging proposals for Swordfish Business Park at Daedalus. The proposals include new employment floorspace, supporting infrastructure, landscaping and new public routes through the site. The scheme could provide up to 58,000 sq m of employment floorspace, delivered in phases over a number of years, depending on market demand.
Why is the site being brought forward now?
The site is allocated for employment in Fareham's Local Plan and already benefits from an historic planning permission for employment floorspace. A new consent is now being sought because market demand has changed since the existing permission was granted. The aim is to make better use of an allocated employment site and support the continued growth of Daedalus.
Will the future buildings be fixed now?
The detailed layouts and designs for future employment buildings will come forward through later planning applications, should permission for the proposed hybrid application be granted. There will be further engagement with residents on these layouts and design.
Any permission would determine the enabling infrastructure, a maximum developable floor area and a set of parameter plans within which further detailed proposals would come forward
What are the benefits of the proposals?
The proposals would provide new employment space in an established business location. They are intended to support skilled jobs, investment and business growth at Daedalus, including in advanced manufacturing, aviation, aerospace, engineering and other high-tech employment uses.
How many jobs would be created?
The final number of jobs will depend on the final mix of businesses and the pace of delivery. Over 500 jobs have already been enabled at Daedalus and Swordfish Business Park would contribute towards Fareham Borough Council's wider job target for Daedalus, as well as delivering jobs during construction.
What type of planning application will be submitted?
The planning application would be a hybrid application. This means some parts would be submitted in detail, including the main access road, southern pumping station and electric ring main units as phase 1. The future employment buildings would come forward later through reserved matters applications.
Will all the buildings be built at once?
No. The buildings would not all be delivered at once. They would come forward in phases, in line with market demand, likely over a period of years with pauses between development activity.
Will there be landscaping between the site and existing homes?
Yes. These are intended to help soften the edge of the development, provide screening and reduce potential impacts on neighbouring homes. We are looking for feedback on how this space could appear.
How would vehicles access the site?
Access to Swordfish Business Park would be taken directly from Gosport Road. The transport strategy is being developed to provide clear access into the site while managing movements safely and effectively.
What is happening to Taxiway B?
To help facilitate the future employment development, the existing taxiway through the site, known as Taxiway B, is proposed to be relocated to the south east of the runway, further away from neighbouring homes.
When is the feedback deadline?
The deadline for feedback is Tuesday 4 August 2026.
What is the expected timeline?
Engagement feedback is due to be shared in autumn 2026, a planning application submitted in autumn or winter 2026, and a decision anticipated in 2027.