Agenda item

To consider a report of the Director of Economy, Transport and Environment regarding Variations to conditions of planning permissions to extend the time to complete the importation of waste to the landfill and landfill restoration, extend the time for the use of the Waste Transfer Station and extend the time for the use of the landfill gas utilisation plant at Blue Haze Landfill Site, Verwood Road, Somerley.

1)  Variation of conditions 1, 3 and 4 of planning permission 07/90183 to extend the time to complete the importation of waste to the landfill until 2029, revise the landfill phasing and phasing of restoration, and the completion of landfill restoration by 2031 (No. 19/10066)

2) Variation of condition 2 of planning permission 11/97613 to extend the time for the use of the Waste Transfer Station until 2030 (No. 19/10064)

3) Variation of condition 2 of planning permission 08/92516 to extend the time for the use of the landfill gas utilisation plant until March 2040 (No. 19/10063)

at Blue Haze Landfill Site, Verwood Road Somerley BH24 3QE (Site Ref: NF105)

The Committee considered a report from the Head of Strategic Planning (item 7 in the minute book) regarding variations to conditions at Blue Haze landfill site in Somerley.

It was confirmed that there were three separate applications, which would be summarised and discussed as a whole, but voted on separately. It was also highlighted that there were some changes to conditions, which were detailed in the update paper.

Committee was shown aerial photos of the site and a site layout plan. The site mainly focussed on commercial waste, but some domestic and bulky waste was also processed. The additional and revised conditions proposed were summarised to the Committee which were detailed in the report.

The Committee received two deputations on this item. David Daughters; a local resident, acknowledged that well managed sites like Blue Haze retain gasses, which puts local residents at risk but some gases could be smelled from the site throughout the year. Mr Daughters also felt that the restoration should be prioritised in the area closest to residents first so there was an immediate benefit. It was questioned whether the hours of operation at weekends should be limited to just the transfer of waste rather than work on site, and if this could be clarified as part of the conditions.

Owen Dimond spoke on behalf of the application. He confirmed that landfill was still a requirement that would be needed in the medium term, although was lower down the waste hierarchy that before due to advances with recycling. Mr Dimond acknowledged that some management plans for older sites did need review and this would be looked into by the applicant.

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

·         There were no statistics regarding health risks to support the concerns of local residents

·         An open cell in use may omit gasses whilst in use

·         The smell of gases differed in summer and winter

·         The gases released weren’t necessarily harmful and could vary, hence the different smells.

·         It was not known whether the odour suppressor was 24/7

·         The cells in the site were a particular size for operations but were covered temporarily if not in immediate use.

During questions of the officer, it was clarified that food waste did not go to landfill and was processed in other ways, but further steps for separation would be looked at with New Forest District Council. It was also clarified that the condition regarding work on Saturday would be replicated to reflect the original condition for the site.

In debate, it was noted that emissions and long term development was not a concern and Port Solent in Portsmouth was used as an example of this, part of which was constructed over a previous a reclaimed landfill area.

RESOLVED:

a)    It was agreed that the Head of Law and Governance be authorised to draw up a S106/Deed of Variation to transfer the Section 106 [S106] legal obligations relating to planning permission 07/90183, to secure:

•    Lorry routing agreement restricting the use of Harbridge Drove and the B3081 northwards, except for local deliveries;

•    Management Agreement for Nature Conservation and the provision of footpaths/access for public recreation (including amendments to enhance the scheme of environmental compensation);

•    Off-site heathland works within Plumley Wood.

Provided that by no later than 30 September 2019 all parties enter into the S106/Deed of Variation with the County Council, then the Director of Economy, Transport and Environment be authorised to GRANT permission subject to the conditions listed in Integral Appendix B.

In event that the S106/Deed of Variation is not completed by 30 September 2019, it was agreed that the Director of Economy, Transport and Environment be authorised to refuse planning permission for that reason.

b)    Planning permission was granted for planning application 19/10064 subject to the updated conditions listed in integral Appendix C.

c)    Planning permission was granted for planning application 19/10063, subject to the updated conditions listed in integral Appendix D.

d)    That an advice note be attached recommending that a liaison panel be set up to ensure effective communications between the applicant and local residents.

Voting:
Recommendation a:

Favour: 14

Abstentions: 1

Recommendation b:

Favour: 14

Abstentions: 1

Recommendation c:

Favour: 14

Abstentions: 1