Hampshire County Council’s cabinet recommends partial update to Minerals and Waste Plan be approved
PLANS outlining future mineral extraction across Hampshire are set to be approved by the county council after proposals were rubber-stamped by cabinet members.
The council’s Minerals and Waste Plan includes Ashley Manor Farm near New Milton, Midgham Farm near Fordingbridge, and Purple Haze south of Ringwood Forest, as potential extraction sites.
The proposals prompted a strong backlash from locals, with hundreds raising their concerns during a recent public consultation period.
HCC’s cabinet, which met on Monday, recommended the plan – with only “minor modifications” – now be submitted to the full council, which meets next Thursday, for approval. If agreed, it will then be submitted to the Secretary of State.
A report to members explained there would be no changes to the inclusion of sites and “points of clarification” were the only modifications.
Speaking at the meeting was resident Pam Perry, who explained she was against the inclusion of Ashley Manor Farm.
She said: “The site has been rejected twice in the past on appeal, as the inspector considered each time that the open aspect was essential to the setting of New Milton.
“New Milton’s town crest comprises a sailing boat, the Forest, deer, and a sheath of corn. The sheath of corn relates to agriculture and Ashley Manor Farm is grade two agricultural land – the best and most versatile.
“Surely a consideration in these days when food security has become ever more important? I also believe it is the case that lesser valuable land should be developed first.”
She also raised concerns over an increase in traffic, light pollution, noise and dust.
The meeting heard the council had looked at reasons surrounding previous refusals for sites to understand if issues were with specific schemes or the principle of development.
Council officer Melissa Spriggs added: “We believe all sites are still sound from a principle point of view.”
Any site identified in the final plan will still require operators to apply for permission in the usual way, taking account of all the environmental considerations and assessing the impact on the local community and area, including undertaking consultation with stakeholders.
HCC say identified land would be released only if it is needed, and the planning application fully satisfies the stringent criteria and other tests set out in the plan.
Speaking afterwards, HCC leader, Cllr Nick Adams-King, said: “This has been a huge undertaking, including extensive consultation with residents and other interested parties. If county councillors agree the plan and supporting documents can be submitted, it will be for the independent planning inspectorate to determine whether Hampshire’s plan is sound – that is whether it complies with national policy and legal requirements.
“In having an agreed and government-approved plan we will be fulfilling our collective duty to ensure that the whole area can continue to provide a steady and adequate supply of minerals for building homes, schools, hospitals and roads, and in so doing best protect the area from speculative applications for sites.
“The plan will also provide enough waste processing, recycling and disposal facilities so that the millions of tonnes of household and commercial waste generated across the area each year can be dealt with as efficiently and sustainably as possible.”
As reported in the A&T, early proposals to develop Yeatton Farm in Hordle and Hamer Warren Quarry, between Ringwood and Fordingbridge, were withdrawn.
An aggregate rail depot at Totton sidings was also not continued with, but remains a potential site “should circumstances change”, says HCC.
