Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director of Economy, Transport and Environment regarding an application for extraction and processing of minerals, importation and treatment of inert materials, the erection of a concrete batching plant, workshop, offices, weighbridge and internal access to the A35 with progressive restoration using residual inert materials to agriculture, woodland and grassland at land at Roeshot, Christchurch. (Application No. 16/10618) (Site Ref: NF269)

Application for extraction and processing of minerals, importation and treatment of inert materials, the erection of a concrete batching plant, workshop, offices, weighbridge and internal access to the A35 with progressive restoration using residual inert materials to agriculture, woodland and grassland at land at Roeshot, Christchurch. (Application No. 16/10618) (Site Ref: NF269)

The Committee considered a report from the Head of Strategic Planning (item 6 in the minute book). The Chairman introduced the item, confirming that two site visits had taken place by the Committee in 2016 and 2017. There had been a delay with the application due to flood risk discussions taking place with the Environment Agency (EA) and subsequent remodelling being done, but following the extra research, the EA had withdrawn their objection to the application.

The officer confirmed that an update paper had been circulated and published on the website, which detailed changes to conditions 1- 5 inclusive. A location plan  of the area was shown, depicting the bordering a Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI), the nearby A35 and railway line, which was to the southern boundary of thee site. In site photographs, Members were reminded of the high railway embankment that screened the site, as well as the vegetation across the site, a lot of which would be retained as part of the application.

A lot of ecological work had been done on the site, with an ecological mitigation plan being developed.

It was confirmed that the site would contribute to the County  Council  landbank requirement for sand and gravel.

The Committee received one deputation on this item from Douglas Symes, speaking on behalf of the applicant, who confirmed that Suitable Natural Alternative Green Spaces (SANGS) had been established on the estate. There had been damage to areas of Burton Common, but these were down vandalism and not from the site, and Rights of Way and access in the area would be assessed to see improvements could be made to security. Mr Symes confirmed that the five year extension had been sought to allow time to find a suitable mineral partner, put in place the necessary legal agreements and update ecological surveys. The Planning team were thanked for their assistance with the application.

During questions of the officers, it was confirmed that rail had been investigated in detail for the movement of mineral, but this was not economically viable due to the height of the embankment and the ease of distribution of mineral to where it was required.  It was noted that in paragraph 37 of the Conditions, the details regarding the groundwater level would be finalised through delegation to the officer.

The Head of Strategic Planning confirmed that in Paragraph 38 in the Conditions would be amended from “The approved details shall be implemented before the development hereby permitted is commenced and retained throughout the duration of construction” to “The approved details shall be implemented before the development hereby permitted is commenced and retained throughout the duration of operation”

During debate,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 135