Agenda item

To consider a report of the Director of Economy, Transport and Environment regarding a planning application for Development of an Inert Waste Recycling Facility at Land at Three Maids Hill, off A272, Winchester SO21 2QU (Application No. 20/01765/HCS) (Site Ref: WR243).

Councillors Alexis McEvoy and Roger Price left the meeting

Development of an Inert Waste Recycling Facility at Land at Three Maids Hill, off A272, Winchester SO21 2QU (No. 20/01765/HCS) (Site Ref: WR243)

The Committee considered a report from the Head of Strategic Planning regarding an application at Three Maids Hill in Winchester.

Members were shown a location plan of the local area, along with aerial photographs and plans of the proposed access to the site. Considerations regarding the application included the potential for noise and dust, and the highways impact with vehicle movements on the local network.

The Committee received five deputations on this item.

Councillor Stephen Burgess spoke on behalf of Littleton & Harestock Parish Council and against the application. The Parish Council had concerns regarding the use of the land, the impact on the local roads and also the locality; being close to Littleton Stud and also a proposed housing development. David Bowe addressed Committee on behalf of Littleton Stud against the application. Littleton Stud had been in operation since 1930 and was a top breeding location for race horses, receiving global recognition and numerous awards. There were strong concerns regarding the impact of the application and the operation of Littleton Stud, particularly around inconsistent noise and the effects on the horses. The proposed planting and screening would also take many years to flourish and have maximum effectiveness.

Stuart Austin addressed Committee on behalf of the applicant and reassured Members that a lot of assessment had been done on the suitability of the proposed location and the applicant washed to operate responsibly and in the best interests of the local community. The screening would help conceal the site and there were only proposals for 76 vehicle movements per day between 7am and 6pm, which was not felt to have an adverse impact on the highway network.

Councillor Jan Warwick from Hampshire County Council addressed the Committee and voiced concerns over the development in the countryside and the impacts on Littleton Stud and local residents. It was also highlighted that there was a lot of bronze age archaeology in the local area and a full archaeological survey and assessment should be considered before any work began.

Councillor Jackie Porter from Hampshire County Council also shared concerns regarding the long hours proposed for vehicle movements along with the overnight movements which could be very disruptive to residents. A community meeting would be welcomed by residents to further discuss potential impacts.

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

·         Race horses were very sensitive to changes in surroundings and noise and had strict regimes, so the development could greatly impact Littleton Stud

·         A dust management plan would be developed and monitored by the Environment Agency

·         The bund would include 50 trees that were already established and able to screen immediately

·         It was felt that there were other brownfield sites that had not been considered for the application

·         The traffic implications at a nearby blackspot hadn’t felt to have been given full consideration.

In debate, Members agreed that a Site Visit would be necessary in order to fully assess the potential impacts of the proposed application and this was supported on a vote.

RESOLVED

That the application be deferred pending a Site Visit and return to Committee once this had taken place.

Voting:
Favour: 12 (unanimous)