A CONSULTATION is getting underway to gain views on a proposed new aviation fuel pipeline from Southampton to London that will run west of Petersfield.

The project aims to replace 90km of the underground Esso pipeline from Fawley Refinery to Esso’s west London Terminal storage facility in Hounslow.

The proposed route will take it about eight miles west of Petersfield, crossing Petersfield Road just after Monkwood. It then heads north, skirting Alton and continuing on to London.

The existing pipeline was laid in 1973, and needs renewing due to its age. If it isn’t replaced, the fuel may have to be transported by road.

An Esso spokesman said: “Replacement of the pipeline is being undertaken now to allow appropriate time for design, consultation, the development process and installation, whilst maintaining the movement of fuel in the current pipeline.

“Replacing it will ensure that Britain’s major airports in the south east can be reliably supplied far into the future, and the best option is a pipe. A safe, low-impact and secure way of transporting fuel – the equivalent of more than 100 road tankers carrying fuel, every day.

“The project has just started and we are currently introducing it to local authorities, statutory bodies, specialist interest organisations and local communities.

“Potential route options are being assessed, and a comprehensive public consultation on the pipeline route choices will be launched in this spring.

“This is probably the earliest point we expect to have reasonably assessed route options to share with stakeholders.”

During the consultation, the project team will engage and consult with landowners, local communities, local representatives, national bodies and special interest groups.

The spokesman added: “The project team is committed to working with landowners and occupiers throughout the process, and will be undertaking consultations to allow everyone to comment on our proposals as they develop.”

The consultation will pave the way for a formal planning application to the government’s Planning Inspectorate. The application is likely to be submitted in 2019, and if it is approved, work replacing the pipeline is likely to start in 2021.

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