Hamble Airfield – Planning Inquiry re-commences

The Planning Inquiry is an independent process led by the Planning Inspectorate. More information on this process can be found here. 

The appeal will be held in public at Hampshire County Council’s Winchester offices and can be viewed remotely via a live webcast. Details including links to the webcast can be found here. 

Background:   

In May 2024, Hampshire County Council’s Regulatory Committee refused planning permission for CEMEX’s Hamble Airfield proposal. 

The application was refused on three grounds: 
1. Flood risk 
2. Highway mitigation 
3. Air quality 

Initially, officers recommended refusal based on flood risk and highway mitigation. A late objection from Natural England led to the inclusion of air quality as a third reason for refusal. All three reasons were based on the inadequacy of the information provided by the applicant at the time. 

The Regulatory Committee made its decision based on the evidence, information, and circumstances presented in the application at that time. CEMEX subsequently appealed the decision.  

As a result, the Planning Inspectorate will now make its decision on whether to grant planning permission or dismiss the appeal, having considered all available evidence. 

It is important to note that the reasons for the original refusal by Hampshire County Council’s Regulatory Committee were based on the information available at the time of the Committee’s decision. Ahead of the Planning Inquiry, CEMEX submitted additional information that addressed the original reasons for refusal. Planning officers were then required to present a clear, factual position based on the updated evidence as part of the Inquiry process.  

This does not mean that officers have overturned the Regulatory Committee’s decision; rather, they are fulfilling their role within the Inquiry process. A failure to do this, could expose the County Council to legal or financial challenges. The Council’s position reflects the fact that the new information provided as part of the Inquiry addresses the previous reasons for refusal.