Contact: Peter Chadwick, ext 6728 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 Planning permission is sought for recycling of construction and demolition waste, installation of waste sorting plant and replacement of offices at Unit 4 and Unit 8, Eversley Haulage Park. Unit 4 has permission for construction waste recycling up to 31 December 2005. The proposals are to change the processing equipment and reorganise the activities, which involves moving the office and lorry parking to Unit 8. The application is retrospective as the reorganisation has already taken place. The recommendation is to grant permission.

2. Site and Proposal

2.1 The site, as shown on the attached plan, comprises 2 units (Units 4 and 8) within the Eversley Haulage Park Unit, which total 0.4 hectares. The Eversley Haulage Park adjoins Eversley Quarry, operated by Lafarge. The quarry is also within Castle Bottom to Yateley and Hawley Common's Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which is part of Thames Basin Heath's proposed Special Protection Area (SPA). The nearest house is at Hawkers Lodge, which is about 160 metres from the site.

2.2 Temporary planning permission was granted for inert waste recycling at Unit 4 Eversley Haulage Park in October 2002. Consent was granted in January 2004 to extend the temporary period to 31 December 2005.

2.3 The proposal is to rearrange the applicant's operations and extend the recycling operations by use of additional plant and equipment. The proposals are:

(i) Unit 4 - Install a waste sorting plant comprising trommel screen, picking station (to remove plastics, wood and non-magnetic metals), waste storage bays, weighbridge and weighbridge office, and skip storage. The workshop would be retained and the attached office used for mess facilities. The existing two-storey portacabin office would be removed.

(ii) Unit 8 - Erect 2 storey prefabricated office block (measuring 15 metres by 8 metres), to relocate administrative function from Unit 4, and tarmac area for employee and visitor parking. Remaining area to continue to be used for overnight parking of applicant's lorries.

2.4 Following submission of the application additional information was requested concerning noise assessment, dust and traffic. The noise and dust reports have been submitted but the traffic report is awaited. The proposals are retrospective as the applicant has already implemented this reorganisation.

3. Development Plan

3.1 Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton Minerals and Waste Local Plan (Adopted December 1998) Policy 7 concerns waste proposals and Policy 46 concerns proposals for waste recycling.

4. Consultations

4.1 Hart District Council raises objections on the grounds that:

(i) The development, by virtue of its general visual appearance and height, is detrimental to the visual landscape character and setting of this part of the open countryside. Furthermore, the application fails to demonstrate that the adjoining SSSI/proposed SPA will not be adversely affected by water pollution or dust emissions. As such the proposal is contrary to Policies GEN1, GEN3, GEN6, GEN8, CON1, CON2, RUR2 and RUR13 in the Hart Replacement Local Plan.

(ii) Unit 8 is currently the subject of application 03/01110/COU which is seeking to obtain retrospective consent for the various uses on all the units at Eversley Haulage Park (excluding Unit 4) an application 03/01109/FUL for the retention of all buildings at Eversley Haulage Park. A further application 03/0111/COU relates solely to one particular unit at the front (highway) of the site. All three applications were accompanied by a Geoenvironmental Desk Study and Ground Investigation Report. All three applications are currently awaiting the views of the Environment Agency.

(iii) It is Hart District Council's view that until the outstanding applications are determined, there is no planning permission for the sub-division of Eversley Haulage Park into a number of units and no planning permission for the current use of Unit 8 by the applicant. It is therefore inappropriate to consider any additional structure within Unit 8 and for the remainder of Unit 8 to continue to be used for overnight parking of applicants lorries at this stage.

4.2 Environmental Health, Hart raises no objection, commenting that the noise assessment gives a true interpretation of the current situation, and stressing the importance of the dust management scheme.

4.3 The Environment Agency raises no objection.

4.4 English Nature comments that the site is close to the SSSI and proposed SPA, which support populations of rare and vulnerable heathland birds listed in Annex 1 to the EC Birds Directive, namely woodlark, nightjar and Dartford warbler. Therefore it is necessary to consider whether the likely noise levels and emissions of dust will adversely affect the habitats supporting the Annex 1 birds or significantly disturb the Annex 1 birds. It is anticipated that the adjoining quarry, when restored, is likely to support populations of these birds, and English Nature considers the anticipated noise levels would cause disturbance to them. Therefore wishes to maintain a holding objection to consider further mitigation measures. With regard to dust, comments that if the proposed dust mitigation measures are implemented the proposals are not likely to cause significant damage to the SSSI, nor cause deterioration to habitats supporting Annex 1 birds.

4.5 The Highways Adviser's final comments are awaiting the submission of additional highway information.

4.6 Blackbushe Airport's main concerns are noise and dust. Also the possibility of birds being attracted should food waste be unintentionally brought to the site. Therefore would not wish to see application approved unless measures can be introduced to satisfy its concerns.

4.7 TAG Farnborough Airport raises no objection.

4.8 Bramshill Parish Council - comments awaited.

4.9 Eversley Parish Council raises objection on the grounds that:

(i) insufficient information provided;

(ii) issues of noise generation, working hours and light pollution;

(iii) concern at being on edge of the SSSI;

(iv) no monitoring of pollution from the site; and

(v) none of existing buildings have planning permission.

4.10 Hartley Wintney Parish Council raises no objection.

4.11 Councillors Glen and Collett have been informed.

5. Representations

5.1 British Car Auctions lodges a strong objection as the application will generate dust and dirt affecting the vehicles for sale, health of employees and maintenance of their buildings.

6. Chief Planning Adviser's Comments

6.1 Eversley Haulage Park has a complicated planning history. Originally granted an Established Use Certificate for haulage use, the site was cleared and sub-divided into separate units. Hart has taken enforcement action concerning various buildings on the Haulage Park and considers planning permissions are required. This matter has not been fully resolved. However, the County Council is required to come to a decision on the planning applications as submitted.

6.2 The construction waste recycling activities have been carried out at the site without causing complaint from local residents. The comments of British Car Auctions are noted, but no complaints have been received due to current operations at the site. The site is well-screened visually. The noise report concludes that the impact for nearby residents/businesses is satisfactory. Dust mitigation measures area also proposed. The proposals conform, in principle, to the criteria of Policy 46 of the Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton Minerals and Waste Local Plan as the site has an established use for haulage.

6.3 A significant issue is the location next to the SSSI and proposed SPA, although the adjoining area is currently within the operational area of Eversley Quarry. The main concerns are potential disturbance from noise and dust. This aspect has been considered and included in the noise and dust assessment reports. Whilst English Nature consider the proposed dust mitigation measures satisfactory, there are remaining concerns at the possible noise impact. However the adjoining quarry will continue to be operational. Consequently it is recommended that permission be granted for a temporary period until the working and restoration of the quarry has been completed and the restoration established. This would enable the reassessment of the operations at the site and requirements for noise mitigation in the light of the quarry having been restored to forestry and heathland.

6.4 It is unfortunate that the proposals are retrospective, and also the initial application did not include sufficient information. However information has now being provided which shows that the site can be operated without causing harm to the locality in terms of noise and dust, although further traffic information is still awaited. Consequently it is recommended that, subject to the submission of satisfactory traffic information, planning permission be granted.

Recommendation

That, subject to the submission of a satisfactory traffic information planning permission in respect of use of land for the recycling of construction and demolition waste, including the replacement of portacabin offices, and the installation and use of a waste sorting plant at land at Unit 4 and Unit 8, Eversley Haulage Park, Fleet Road, Eversley (04/01305/CMA) be granted for the following reason, subject to the following conditions:

Reason for Approval

It is considered that the proposal would be in accordance with the Development Plan (summary attached) and would not materially harm the character of the area or the amenity of local residents, and would be acceptable in terms of highway safety and convenience.

Conditions

Time Limits

(1) The permission shall be for a temporary period expiring on 31 December 2010, on or before which date the use of land for waste recycling shall cease, all machinery, structures and waste be removed and the land reinstated.

Reason: In order to assess the impact of the operation.

Drainage and Water Protection

(2) Within one month of the date of this consent a surface water drainage scheme for the site shall be submitted to the Waste Planning Authority for approval in writing. The scheme shall be implemented as approved within one month of approval.

Reason: To prevent pollution to the water environment.

(3) Any above ground oil/chemical storage tank/container and associated pipework shall be bunded in a manner so as to retain at least 110% volume of the tank capacity. All filling points, vents, gauges and sight glasses must be located within the bund, which shall be sealed so as to retain any spillages.

Reason: To prevent pollution to the water environment.

Hours of Working

(4) Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Waste Planning Authority, no lorries shall enter or leave the site, and no operations shall take place within the site except between 0600 and 2000 hours Monday to Friday and between 0600 and 1300 hours on Saturday, and not at all on Sunday and recognised public holidays.

Reason: In the interests of local amenity.

Minimising Disturbance from Dust

(5) The dust mitigation measures set out in the Dust Assessment Report dated August 2004 shall be implemented for the duration of the operation of the site.

Reason: In the interests of local amenity.

Types of Waste

(6) Waste imported to the site shall be restricted to inert construction and demolition waste only. All waste shall be stored within the areas identified on drawing no. 549-02.

Reason: In the interests of local amenity.

Stockpiles

(7) No stockpiles shall exceed four metres in height.

Reason: To minimise visual impact.

8996/PDC

APPENDIX

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

Policy 7

The Mineral and Waste Planning Authorities will grant planning permission for minerals and waste development provided they are satisfied that, where appropriate, the proposed development pays due regard to:

(i) the relationship of the proposal site to other properties and land uses (particularly residential and other environmentally sensitive properties) and the likely effects of the proposed development on the locality by reason of noise, dust, smoke, fumes, illumination or any other factor and the need for buffer zones between the development and residential and other properties;

(ii) the likely volume and nature of traffic that would be generated by the proposed development and the suitability of the proposed access to the site and of the road network that would be affected, in terms of highway capacity and safety and environmental impact, and whether any highway improvements required could be carried out satisfactorily without causing unacceptable environmental impact;

(iii) the likely visual impact of the proposed development and the need for additional planting and screening, including planting in advance of the commencement of the development;

(iv) the need to safeguard the character and amenities of individual settlements and to safeguard open gaps between settlements from permanent development which would cause long-term harm to the function of the land;

(v) the likely effects of the proposed development on and the need to protect and safeguard sites of nature conservation, geological, archaeological, historic, architectural and landscape importance and their settings;

(vi) the extent and quality of agricultural land to be taken by the proposed development and the proposals for its subsequent restoration and the likely effects of the proposals on farm structure and management;

(vii) the likely effects of the proposed development on and the need to maintain the distinctive character of the landscape; the likely effects of the proposed development on and the need to safeguard and protect individual species, habitats and landscape features, including woodland, trees and hedgerows; and the likely effects of the proposed development on forestry and woodland management;

(viii) the likely effects of the proposed development on sites used for recreation and public rights of way and the need to protect or secure the satisfactory diversion of public rights of way;

(ix) the likely effects of the proposed development on and the need to safeguard the flow and quality of watercourses, water supplies, floodplains, groundwater, the drainage of the site and adjoining land and the level of the water table in the locality and the likely effects of the proposed development on the immediate setting of any river;

(x) any potential danger to aircraft from birds being attracted to the site;

(xi) the possible amenity implications of any landfill gas that might be generated at the site and of any provisions that might need to be made to deal with it; and

(xii) the likely cumulative impact of the proposed development in combination with any other significant development taking place or permitted to take place in the locality and the need to minimise the impact of mineral extraction and waste disposal operations by securing, where appropriate, the phased release of sites and progression of working and restoration.

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.