Agenda item

To consider a report from the Head of Strategic Planning on the following:

1)    Application for permission for an extension of mineral working at Hamer Warren Quarry, to extract some 600,000 tonnes of sand and gravel from Bleak Hill III, including works to create an extended haul road and back filling with inert material and progressive restoration to agriculture with increased nature conservation and biodiversity enhancements until 31 December 2025 at Bleak Hill III (No. 19/11326)

2)    Variation of Condition 1 of Planning Permission 19/10014 to allow an extension of time for the working of minerals and the tipping of materials at Bleak Hill I and II until 31 December 2025 (19/11325) 

3)    Variation of Condition 1 of Planning Permission 19/10015 to allow an extension of time for an aggregate recycling plant and operations at Bleak Hill I until 31 December 2025 (19/11324)

At Hamer Warren Quarry, Harbridge Drove, Nr Ringwood BH24 3PX (Site Ref: NF091)

1)    Application for permission for an extension of mineral working at Hamer Warren Quarry, to extract some 600,000 tonnes of sand and gravel from Bleak Hill III, including works to create an extended haul road and back filling with inert material and progressive restoration to agriculture with increased nature conservation and biodiversity enhancements until 31 December 2025 at Bleak Hill III (No. 19/11326)

2)    Variation of Condition 1 of Planning Permission 19/10014 to allow an extension of time for the working of minerals and the tipping of materials at Bleak Hill I and II until 31 December 2025 (19/11325) 

3)    Variation of Condition 1 of Planning Permission 19/10015 to allow an extension of time for an aggregate recycling plant and operations at Bleak Hill I until 31 December 2025 (19/11324)

At Hamer Warren Quarry, Harbridge Drove, Nr Ringwood BH24 3PX (Site Ref: NF091)

Councillor House left the meeting

The Committee considered a report from the Head of Strategic Planning (item 7 in the minute book) on a series of applications relating to Hamer Warren Quarry. It was confirmed that this composed of three separate applications (expanding across Bleak Hill I, II and III) which were all part of a major mineral development.

The Committee was shown elevation photos of the site, along with videos and photos of the access. Highways had no concerns regarding the applications subject to the contribution of highway maintenance, however the Parish Council had rejected to the proposals. The hours of operation would continue 7am-6pm Mon-Fri and 7am-1pm Saturday, but the applicant had since proposed to change to an 8am start on Saturdays. An update had also been provided to Committee regarding one of the recommendations.

The Committee received two deputations on this item. Councillor Lindsay Burtenshaw, Chairman of Ellingham, Harbridge & Iblsey Parish Council shared her concerns, particularly around the inadequate gated facilities at the crossing point of the footpath and also the deterioration of the adjacent road network and Harbridge Drove. The barriers were heavy and cumbersome and the liaison panel hadn’t met for many years, making it difficult to address concerns with the applicant. Helen Hudson spoke on behalf of the applicant and emphasised the importance to allow sand extraction works to be completed and followed by suitable restoration. A safety kit had been put in place for the gate but discussions could take place going forwards. Whilst the applicant were not the only traffic on the road, they were willing to contribute to the maintenance of it.

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

·         Liaison meetings would be set up for the future;

The number of complaints regarding the path and Rights of Way were unknown.

RESOLVED:

A) It is recommended that planning permission be granted for planning application 19/11326 subject to a new Section 106 legal agreement providing obligations on lorry routing, groundwater monitoring, management and aftercare and financial contributions for Highway maintenance and the conditions listed in Appendix A.

B) It is recommended that planning permission be granted for planning application 19/11325 subject to a deed of variation to transfer the Section 106 legal obligations to 19/11325 from planning permission 19/10014, and the conditions listed in Appendix B.

 C) It is recommended that planning permission be granted for planning application 19/11324, subject to the conditions listed in Appendix C.

Voting:
Each recommendation was voted on individually, but the results were the same for each:
Favour: 12
Abstentions: 1