Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director of Economy, Transport and Environment regarding a planning application for an easterly extension of the existing sand extraction area, extend the end date for quarry operations and restoration and amend the approved restoration schemes at Kingsley Quarry, Bordon. Application No. 51188/003. Ref: EH025.

Eastern extension of the existing sand extraction area, extend the end date ot quarry operations and restoration and amend the approved restoration schemes at Kingsley Quarry, Bordon, Hampshire (EIA) (No. 51188/003) (Site Ref: EH025)

The Committee considered a report from the Head of Strategic Planning regarding an application for an extension to the sand extraction area, and extension to the end date for quarry operations and amendments to the restoration schemes.

The Officer introduced the item and the Committee was shown aerial photographs of the site and its location. Access routes were highlighted, as well as the pipeline used to move product between the two site areas.

The constraints for the application were shown, including the South Downs National Pak (SDNP) and various water courses. The dredger used to remove mineral from the lake was shown, along with photos showing the lake used when in operation. Photos of the proposed extension area were also shown. The former railway embankment within the extension area had many trees in poor condition that would require removal, and it was proposed that more tree planting would take place as part of the application.

There were no plans to change any of the operational conditions at the site and the export of sand would continue using the main access to the site. Proposed restoration plans were also shared with the Committee.

It was confirmed that there was a 10 year requirement to extract silica sand as opposed to 7 years due to silica being a specialist mineral. Kingsley and Frith End Quarry were the only two Hampshire sites able to extract and process it.

The Committee received two deputations on this item.

Steve Lamb spoke on behalf of the applicant, emphasising the importance of the sand processed at the site, a lot of which was used by Premiership football clubs and high end sporting venues/events. The dredger used was silent with no noise implications. Kingsley had almost depleted its reserves and so it was crucial that operations started again as soon as possible. The applicant had consulted with many different partners and was looking to implement liaison meetings again with the local community.

Councillor Mark Kemp-Gee addressed Committee on behalf of the Parish Council. It was felt important that the applicant liaise and get involved with the community in order to build and maintain a positive relationship. The Parish Council did not object to the application, but wanted implications for the local community to be mitigated – predominantly lorries travelling through, which was felt to be the biggest issue to residents. There were particular concerns for parents with young children and also older people with the size of lorries and frequency they went through the village. Councillor Kemp-Gee proposed that the output of sand be restricted to 100,000 tonnes per annum and concrete crushing limited to 5,000 tonnes per annum.

During questions of deputations, the following points were clarified:

-       Kingsley was situated on a main road network and vehicles relating to the Tarmac operation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 188