Agenda item

To consider a report of the Director of Economy, Transport and Environment regarding two planning applications.

1. Extension to the quarry extraction area to the South-West with associated modifications to the approved quarry schemes (Application No. 30633/041)

2. Variation of Conditions 1 (Timescale), 4 (Phasing) and 10 (Landscaping) of Planning Permission 30633/039 (Application No. 30633/040) at Grundon Sand and Gravel Ltd, Frith End Sand Quarry, Grooms Farm Lane, Frith End, Bordon (Site Ref: EH121).

Extension to the quarry extraction area to the South-West with associated modifications to the approved quarry schemes (No. 30633/041)

And

Variation of Conditions 1 (Timescale), 4 (Phasing) and 10 (Landscaping) of Planning Permission 30633/039 (No. 30633/040)

at Grundon Sand and Gravel Ltd, Frith End Sand Quarry, Grooms Farm Lane, Frith End, Bordon GU35 0QR

(Site Ref: EH121)

The Committee considered a report from the Assistant Director for Waste, Planning and Environment (item 6 in the minute book) regarding two applications at Frith End Quarry in Bordon.

The officer summarised the report as well as the importance of soft and silica sand, which was rare in Hampshire. An update report had been circulated, which covered recently received representations regarding the applications.

A location plan and aerial photographs were shown of the site area and its relation to the road network and nearby towns.

The Committee received two deputations on this item.

Monika Gogle spoke on behalf of the applicant in support of the application, enforcing that there was no risk of flooding and 100,000 tonnes of sand could be extracted within the 18 month period.

Councillor Kemp-Gee spoke as the local Member against the application, questioning the need and proposing that the County look to share reserves with surrounding Counties to assist with supplies.

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

·         During a previous flood at the quarry, 20,000 tonnes of sand was lost

·         The Liaison Panel last met in February 2021 where the potential applications were discussed

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

·         The County Landscape Architect was happy that the existing landscape and vegetation helped shield the site;

·         Restoration proposals had been approved and a 10yr aftercare plan was included as part of the applications. The proposals had been approved by Natural England and the County Ecology team;

·         Further work would be done in looking at the provision of aggregate and other Authorities;

·         Areas had been retained for bird nesting and nesting still continued on the site. 

In debate, some Members did share concerns on the impact of the proposals on local wildlife, but on balance agreed there was no planning reason to refuse the applications.

RESOLVED

a) Planning permission was GRANTED for planning application, 30633/041 subject to the conditions listed in Appendix A (30633/041).

b)  Planning permission was GRANTED for planning application 30633/040, subject to the conditions listed in Appendix B.

Both recommendations were voted on together with the following outcome:

Favour: 13

Against: 1