Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director of Economy, Transport and Environment regarding variation of condition 3 of planning permission S/11/68998 to amend the operating hours for the site until 23:00 on weekdays at Veolia WTS, Portsmouth Road, Netley (Application No. CS/19/85002, Site Ref: EA027)

Variation of condition 3 of planning permission S/11/68998 to amend the operating hours for the site until 23:00 on weekdays at Veolia WTS, Portsmouth Road, Netley Southampton SO31 8GD (No. CS/19/85002)

(Site Ref: EA027)

The Committee considered a report from the Head of Strategic Planning (item 8 in the minute book) regarding an application to vary conditions at the Veolia Waste Transfer Site in Netley.

The Chairman summarised the history of the site, confirming that there were no current restrictions on vehicle movements or quantities going to and from the site. The officer introduced the application and the Committee was shown aerial photos of the site, depicting access and the surrounding road network. A wider working day would help keep vehicles off of the roads around peak travel times and enable them more flexibility when the roads are quieter. It was anticipated that it would equate to two vehicle movements per hour or average.

The Committee received two deputations on this item. Councillor Mark Garrett from Bursledon Parish Council spoke against the application on the grounds that it would have noise impacts for local residents and that there would also be a accumulative impact on traffic in other areas and/or at other times. Owen Dimond spoke on behalf of the applicant and reassured that it would be a beneficial change to those using the local roads, particularly with the number of new houses being constructed nearby. There would be no increase in the vehicle movements or amount of product transferred, it was simply about giving the vehicles a wider time frame in which to travel.

During questions of the deputations, the following points were clarified:

·          Whilst there was potential for vehicle movements later in the evening, not all movements would be done at night and it was purely about having the flexibility to do so.

·         The new houses being constructed in the area were granted planning permission in 2013;

·         It was not known how many road users there were, but Portsmouth Road was the primary road in the road network near the site.

·         It was anticipated that closing an hour early at 22:00 would have too much impact on the operations of the site.

There was debate amongst members as to whether 23:00 was too late and 22:00 would be more suitable, although it was acknowledged that 23:00 was the normal site closure time for similar operations. Councillor Harrison proposed a 22:00 closure and this was seconded by Councillor Irish. The proposed amendment to the conditions was then put to the vote:

To adjust the site closing time from 23:00 to 22:00 on weekdays

Favour: 9

Against: 3

Abstentions: 3

This amendment was approved, and the recommendation as amended was then put to the vote

RESOLVED:

Planning permission was GRANTED subject to the site closing at 22:00 on weekdays and updated conditions listed in integral appendix B

Voting:

Favour: 14

Against: 1