Contact: Julia Davey, ext 6732

1. Summary

1.1 This report considers an application to relocate the existing concrete batching plant 280 metres east of the existing site at Ringwood Quarry. This application replaces a previous application, now withdrawn, that proposed relocating the plant 125 metres to the east. The latter application was withdrawn at the request of the County Council because it was considered that it would cause a significant visual and amenity impact to the locality on the edge of Ibsley Water.

1.2 It is recommended that planning permission for the development be granted subject to conditions.

2. Site and Proposal

2.1 Planning permission is sought to relocate the existing concrete batching plant at Ringwood Quarry some 280 metres to the east, within the boundary of the Hanson Conbloc plant, illustrated on the attached plan, and to retain the ability to manufacture ready mixed concrete to supply local markets.

2.2 The reason for the relocation of the readymix plant is that the applicant wants to extract the gravel that lies beneath the plant in accordance with the mineral planning permission.

2.3 The Committee resolved to grant permission for retention of the Hanson Conbloc plant at Ringwood Quarry until 31 December 2010 (Application No. 72196) or the date on which local sources of aggregate cease to be available, whichever is the later, but in any event no later than 31 December 2014. This permission is subject to a Section 106 Agreement securing the establishment of a Charitable Trust to manage monies donated by Hanson from the profits of the Conbloc plant. If permission is granted for this current application the applicant is offering to donate a contribution, of three pence per cubic metre of batched concrete produced, to the Trust. The Conbloc legal agreement also restricts the source of the imported aggregate to a specified local area.

2.4 The recent Mineral Review permission at Ringwood and Ellingham Pits (granted 31 March 2003) requires Hanson to submit a restoration scheme for the site (including Ibsley Water and Ellingham Lake) as well as the provision of footpaths. These details, which should have been submitted to the County Council by 30 June 2003, are still outstanding, although Hanson has now agreed the principle of regrading the edges of Ellingham Lake, and has already undertaken profiling to Ibsley Water.

2.5 It is proposed that a new set of wash-out bays and settlement tanks would also be constructed at the site. The silt fines (the fine particles resulting from washing the mineral) would run out from the wash bays into the settlement tanks below ground level. From here the silt laden water would be pumped into special tanks with agitators for re-use in the concrete batching process.

2.6 A noise report has been submitted with the application. The noise report concluded that there would be no impact caused to local residents by retention of the readymix plant. It states that predicted noise levels for the premixed concrete plant will be within 10dB of the average background noise level (the LA90) - the point at which complaints become likely within BS4142. The noise levels will also be below the maximum measured background noise levels, which according to BS4142 does not indicate that complaints are likely. Minimum background noise levels at the nearest noise-sensitive properties are given as 37 (LA90) and the maximum as 48 (LA90). To provide a necessary 10dB screening allowance, it is recommended that the truck mixer lorry be enclosed within a steel clad enclosure on three sides and above. With the open end of the enclosure facing west, the applicant states this would provide acoustic screening in all directions.

2.7 Total vehicle movements are expected to average 40 vehicle movements per day.

2.8 The applicant intends that, once minerals from the quarry are used up, the relocated batching plant would be supplied by aggregates from other operators within the Avon Valley.

2.9 The applicant considers its mineral extraction operations at the adjacent Ibsley Quarry will be completed by 31 December 2003.

2.10 The site lies within the New Forest Heritage Area and proposed National Park boundary, and adjacent to an SSSI and RAMSAR site at Mockbeggar Lakes.

3. Development Plan

3.1 Hampshire County Structure Plan Review 1996-2011 (Adopted March 2000) Policies MW1, MW2, MW3 apply.

3.2 Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton Minerals and Waste Local Plan (Adopted December 1998) Policy 46 applies.

4. Consultation

4.1 The Environment Agency, Highways Adviser and Ellingham, Harbridge and Ibsley Parish Council raise no objection to the proposal.

4.2 New Forest District Council's comments had not been received at the time of writing.

4.3 NFDC Environmental Health Officer raises no objection to the proposal but states that, in order to achieve the predicted noise levels, it would be necessary to ensure that screening is provided around the truck mixer to achieve the 10dB attenuation.

4.4 The local Member, Councillor Kathy Heron has been informed of the proposal.

5. Representations

5.1 At the time of writing this report two objections to the application have been received on the basis of increased noise and lighting; it was understood that, once the quarry was restored, the only development to remain at the site would be the Conbloc Plant. The proposal implies a continuation of the block-making plant's hours of working (6 am to 6 pm weekdays); the applicant's attempt to undermine the integrity of consultees and the County Council by a financial inducement should be rejected, along with refusal of the application.

6. Chief Planning Adviser's Comments

6.1 The main issue raised by the proposal is that the retention of a concrete batching plant within land designated as countryside and operating independently beyond the life of the on-site gravel source, is a departure from planning policy.

6.2 Other issues raised by the application relate to any adverse traffic, amenity, visual or ecological impacts caused by the development to local residents, and the surrounding countryside and lakes (which are Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation).

6.3 The other objections raised by local residents to noise have been addressed by the Environmental Health Officer, who raises no objection in principle to the proposal. The objection relating to lighting has also been noted and it is recommended, that, if permission is granted, it be subject to the approval of a lighting scheme. The point about the retention of another plant in the area, as well as the Conbloc plant, is acknowledged. However, it is considered that its retention would have no adverse environmental impact on the locality, being well located on the highway network, unobtrusive and well away from housing, despite being a departure from the development plan.

6.4 It is further noted that the batching plant is also well-located with respect to the highway network and is sited unobtrusively in the landscape and away from houses. It serves a local market, which reduces the need for long haul distribution with consequent environmental benefit.

6.5 The concern raised by a local resident about the proposed contribution to the charitable trust is not a material consideration in the determination of this application. However, on planning merits alone the application should be approved, subject to a legal agreement restricting the source of imported aggregate to the Avon Valley area (in line with the existing Conbloc permission) and subject to conditions.

Recommendation

That, subject to no significant objection from New Forest District Council and a legal agreement restricting the source of the imported material to the Avon Valley, planning permission for relocation of the concrete batching plant at Ringwood Quarry (Application No. 77332) be granted, subject to the following conditions:

Scheme of Working

(1) Prior to the development commencing, a site layout plan, including details and location of plant, bunds, parking, hard surfacing, wash out bays, settlement tanks and lighting shall be submitted to the Mineral Planning Authority for approval in writing, and thereafter implemented in accordance with that approval prior to the plant becoming operational.

Reason: In the interests of local amenity.

(2) The concrete batching plant shall be removed with all ancillary hardstandings, stockpiles and materials by 31 December 2010 or the date on which the Conbloc Plant (Planning Permission No. 72196) permanently ceases to operate, whichever is the sooner, but in any event no later than 31 December 2014 and the site restored in accordance with Condition (7) below within six months of the date of removal.

Reason: In the interests of local amenity and because the development is not suitable for permanent retention.

(3) A record shall be kept at the site of the source of all aggregates imported to the concrete batching plant. The record shall be made available to the Mineral Planning Authority on request.

Reason: To monitor imports to ensure use of local sources only in the interests of local amenity.

Hours of Working

(4) Machinery and plant shall only be worked and vehicles shall only enter or leave the site between 0600 and 1800 hours Monday to Friday and 0600 and 1400 hours on Saturday. In addition, routine maintenance may be carried out between 1400 and 1800 hours on Saturday.

Reason: In the interests of local amenity.

Noise

(5) Prior to the development commencing, details of the noise screening around the truck mixer to achieve the required 10dB attenuation shall be submitted for the approval of the Mineral Planning Authority in writing, and thereafter implemented in accordance with that approval.

Reason: In the interests of local amenity.

Restoration and Aftercare

(6) Within three months of the date of this consent, a detailed landscaping scheme shall be submitted to the Mineral Planning Authority for approval in writing. The scheme shall specify the height of the bunds, types, size and species of all trees and shrubs to be planted, details of all trees to be retained, details of fencing/enclosure of the site, timescales for carrying out the work and the provision of future maintenance. Any trees or shrubs which, within a period of five years from the date of planting, die are removed or become seriously damaged or diseased shall be replaced in the next planting season with others of similar size and species. The scheme shall be implemented as approved.

Reason: In the interests of local amenity.

(7) Within two years of the date of this consent, a restoration scheme shall be submitted to the Mineral Planning Authority for approval in writing. The scheme shall provide for the restoration of the site and landscaping following the removal of all buildings, plant, structures, hardstandings, stockpiles and bunds. The scheme shall be implemented as approved.

Reason: In the interests of local amenity.

(8) Within three months of the date of this consent an environmental management scheme shall be submitted to the Mineral Planning Authority for approval in writing. The scheme shall include measures for monitoring and mitigation of noise and dust. The scheme shall be implemented as approved, and shall be effective as soon as the plant becomes operational.

Reason: To monitor and control environmental impacts in the interests of local amenity.

Advice Notes:

(i) The surface water soakaways may require the approval of the Local Authority's Building Control Department and should be constructed in accordance with the BRE Digest No. 365 dated September 1991 or CIRIA Report 156 "Infiltration Drainage, Manual of Good Practice".

(ii) Hanson Aggregates should operate in accordance with their existing water obstruction licence (13/43/028/9/120). However, if obstructed water is to be used for dust suppression purposes, then a variation to the licence shall be required.

7967/JD

APPENDIX

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY STRUCTURE PLAN 1996-2011 (REVIEW) (ADOPTED MARCH 2000)

Policy MW1

Planning authorities will, through policies and proposals in local plans and day-to day development control:

(i) seek to ensure an adequate supply of minerals and provision of waste management facilities to meet needs having regard to the need to: maintain the environmental quality and diversity of Hampshire, including the protection of living conditions; safeguard important socio-economic interests; prevent pollution; and protect features of particular environmental or historical importance including those listed in Policy MW3, Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation and historic parks and gardens;

(ii) seek environmental enhancement and public benefits through minerals and waste development;

(iii) conserve and prevent unnecessary sterilisation of mineral resources and encourage efficient use of materials;

(iv) encourage the use of secondary and recycled aggregate materials; and

(v) seek the management of waste in accordance with the following hierarchy;

1. reduction of waste;

2. re-use of waste;

3. recovery of waste (recycling, composting, energy from waste); and

4. waste disposal;

having regard to the proximity principle and the principle of best practical environmental option.

Policy MW2

Permission will be granted for minerals and waste development provided the mineral/waste planning authority is satisfied that:

(i) any adverse environmental or other impacts that the development would be likely to cause are outweighed by a clearly established need for the development; and

(ii) the proposals, where applicable, include a satisfactory scheme of working and landscaping including details of lorry routeing and, in all cases, include satisfactory measures to ensure that the development would not have any unacceptable environmental, traffic or other impact; and

(iii) the proposals, where applicable, provide for the satisfactory and prompt restoration and after-care of the site to a high standard and to a landform compatible with the local landscape and suitable for an agreed beneficial after-use.

Policy MW3

Permission will not be granted for minerals and waste development which is likely to cause material harm to any of the following designated areas and sites:

The New Forest;

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty;

Special Areas of Conservation;

Special Protection Areas;

Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites);

Sites of Special Scientific Interest;

National Nature Reserves;

Nationally important archaeological sites and monuments, whether scheduled or not, and their settings;

Conservation Areas;

Listed Buildings; and

Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest on English Heritage's National Register;

except where the mineral/waste planning authority considers that there is an overriding need for the development to take place in the public interest which outweighs the harm that would be caused, having regard to the level of protection given to the designation concerned in legislation or government guidance.

HAMPSHIRE, PORTSMOUTH AND SOUTHAMPTON MINERALS AND WASTE LOCAL PLAN (ADOPTED 17 DECEMBER 1998)

Policy 46

The Waste Planning Authorities will normally permit the use of land and the erection of plant and buildings for the recycling, transfer, storage and other treatment or handling of waste (excluding waste processing facilities covered by Policy 45) provided that:

(i) the proposed site is located near to the likely source(s) of waste and/or the market(s) for the recycled or recovered materials; and

(ii) the proposed site is located close to and has adequate access to the Hampshire Lorry Route Network (as shown on the proposals map), so that the development would not be likely to cause unacceptable traffic impact (including the environmental impact of traffic) on the local highway network; and

(iii) the proposed site is located:

(a) within an existing industrial site or on land which is permitted or allocated for industrial development; or

(b) within an area of land in the countryside that has already been disturbed by permanent development (a brownfield site); or

(c) at a waste disposal landfill or landraising site provided that the proposed development is connected with the waste disposal operation and is for a temporary period commensurate with the operational life of the waste disposal facility; and

(iv) the proposed site is located and the proposal includes adequate measures to ensure that no unacceptable impact would be likely to be caused to the occupants or users of houses, other residential buildings, schools, hospitals and other environmentally sensitive buildings and land uses by reason of noise, dust, fumes, smell or other cause; and

(v) the proposed site is located so as to avoid unacceptable impact on landscape, nature conservation and archaeological interests; and

(vi) the proposed site is located and the proposal includes adequate measures to ensure that there would be no significant risk of pollution or danger to public health or safety; and

(vii) the proposed site is located and, if necessary, the proposal includes landscaping measures to ensure that the development would not cause unacceptable visual intrusion.