Zest Eco has applied to County Hall for a lawful development certificate for a proposed installation of four rapid EV chargers, with accompanying electrical equipment, on land next to 18 Union Road in Ryde.

The site is currently used as a car park and is within walking distance of cafes, restaurants, hotels and bars.

Six of the charging bays would be on the right-hand side of the car park facing Union Road. A substation and two other bays would be at the rear end of the site directly opposite the street.

Zest Eco describes itself as one of the UK’s fastest growing EV charge point operators which specialises in deploying and managing charging infrastructure for local authorities, brands and destinations.

Its application follows a successful bid for an EV charging zone in the car park of Newport’s Morrisons supermarket, approved by the council in October last year.

Explaining the decision, a council report flagged the UK government’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 28 per cent by 2035.

It said the installation of a comprehensive and competitive EV charging network was thought to be essential.

County Hall’s planners are due to make a decision on the proposal on March 17.