Contact: Jeremy Smith, ext 6730 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

(i) That the County Council will, during the Public Examination into the Hampshire Mineral and Waste Development Framework `Core' Strategy, defend it as approved by the partner planning authorities and, in particular, will demonstrate the `soundness' of its approach to not providing for London's waste and the proposed supply of gravel.

(ii) That in preparing and presenting the case for the Public Examination the Director of Environment be authorised to make minor textual changes to the Strategy to improve its clarity and coherence or which satisfy points of objection, without altering its intent and direction.

(iii) That the Director of Environment be authorised to carry out appropriate steps to comply with statutory requirements in respect of the establishment of the Public Examination.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision, by supporting the case for not providing for London's waste and maintaining gravel supply to an appropriate level, is consistent with the objectives of the `Core' Strategy concerning the protection of biodiversity, historic heritage and protection of communities. The decision is also necessary as part of the County Council's duties under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act to prepare Minerals and Waste Development Plan Documents.

3. Other Option Considered and Rejected

3.1 The principal option considered was to make significant changes to the Strategy to accommodate the wishes of objectors. In particular to provide for import of waste from London and increase the supply of minerals. This was rejected as unnecessarily damaging to the Hampshire environment, compromising the wishes of the community and inconsistent with the sustainability appraisal carried out as part of the plan making process.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or Other Executive Member Consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - None.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - None.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor M J Kendal

Executive Member for Environment

1031Decn/JS