Contact: Julia Davey, ext 6732 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 Planning permission is sought for deep sand extraction in tandem with existing (and proposed) gravel extraction with restoration to an agricultural parkland landscape at Nea Farm Quarry, Blashford and Blue Haze Quarries, Somerley.

1.2 The main part of this proposal extends across 17.2 hectares within the existing gravel quarry. The application red line includes Blue Haze/Chatsworth quarry to the south-west as restoration materials would be transported from there on forest tracks into Nea Farm; and Blashford Quarry to the east of the River Avon, as the mineral would be transported to by existing conveyor for processing from Nea Farm. A temporary traffic light crossing would be required on Harbridge Drove to link that part of the forest route transporting restoration materials from Blue Haze/Chatsworth to Nea Farm.

1.3 The application is subject to the Town and County Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999.

1.4 The recommendation is to grant permission subject to conditions, and a Section 106 agreement for nature conservation management and footpaths.

2. The Site

2.1 The application boundary, as shown on the attached plan, comprises three different active mineral sites: Nea Farm Quarry, Blue Haze Quarry and Blashford Quarry and extends across a total of 112.4 hectares.

2.2 Permission was granted to extract approximately 4 million tonnes of mineral at Nea Farm in 1995. At the beginning of this year approximately 1,591,000 saleable tonnes of gravel remained to be worked in line with the existing planning permission at Nea Farm.

2.3 Permission was granted for extraction at Blashford Quarry many years ago and restoration to water, agriculture and nature conservation is still ongoing with silt created from the mineral processing at Blashford.

2.4 Planning permission was granted earlier this year at Blashford Quarry to vary restoration conditions whilst securing two section 106 agreements for the nature conservation management of land and the provision of public footpaths.

2.5 The deep sand extraction is proposed on approximately 17 hectares within the existing active Quarry at Nea Farm which lies on the edge of Ringwood Forest, a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). The New Forest National Park lies approximately three kilometres to the east beyond the River Avon Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC) (approximately 600 metres to the east). The western boundary of the quarry abuts Harbridge Drove, a rural road linking Ringwood with Alderholt. Nea Farm is located approximately 900 metres north-east of Blue Haze Quarry. The nearest residential properties to the site are: Somerley House, a Grade 2* listed building and associated buildings and businesses within the estate nearby to the east; Shepherds Lodge, the Estate Managers residence, adjacent to the north and privately rented estate cottages on the main Somerley estate; and golf course access road close to the southern boundary of the proposed extraction areas.

2.6 Blue Haze quarry is to the south-west of Nea Farm. The sand and gravel extraction is likely to finish by the end of this year. It will eventually be filled with waste. Blue Haze has excess overburden within the base of the quarry which would provide restoration materials for part of the proposed Nea Farm deep sand void.

2.7 Blashford Quarry is no longer an active extraction site but restoration to agriculture, nature conservation and footpaths is still underway. The former quarry site extends to a total of 24.4 hectares of which approximately 7 hectares comprises the plant site with associated offices, workshop and mess facilities. The plant site currently receives mineral from the Nea Farm quarry transported here by a 2km field conveyor.

2.8 The nearest properties to the Blashford plant site, including a school and church, are those at Ellingham, due north of Ellingham Drove approximately 260 metres to the north. Karma Cottage is to the south of the plant site.

2.9 The nearest properties to the proposed temporary traffic light crossing over Harbridge Drove are:

· Nea Lodge which would be approximately 475 metres from the crossing but under 100 metres to the west of where the haul route would cross over Somerley Estate Drive;

· Harbridge Court approximately 500 metres north of the proposed crossing; and

· Blue Haze kennels and Cottages approximately 520 metres south of the proposed crossing.

3. The Proposal

3.1 The main development proposal is to extract approximately 756,000 tonnes of high quality building sand from a 17.2 hectare area within the central section of Nea Farm Quarry, by way of a vertical extension within the existing gravel Quarry. This proposed sand extraction area is shown edged blue on the Aerial Block Phasing Plans (Drawings B58/262 and B58/243) attached to this report. Extraction would take place over a period of approximately 8 years between 2006 and 2014. The sand won from Nea Farm Quarry would be a direct replacement for the sand currently extracted and sold from Tarmac's nearby Blue Haze Quarry, which will have been completely exhausted of sand by the end of 2006.

3.2 This application has created an opportunity to enhance the currently permitted restoration scheme for Nea Farm Quarry granted in the mid 1990s including the proposed retention of specimen oak and other trees in the southern parkland area. Retention of these trees would require the sterilisation of some gravel already permitted to be extracted hence this proposal to include a small southerly extension to the existing quarry into the golf course area of 1.6 hectares in extent. This extension would be worked to an average of 3-5 metres depth. Similarly the removal of a clump of tress of no particular ecological or landscape value known as `Nettle Clump' would create an opportunity to enhance restoration contours as well as enabling the working of another small portion of gravel sterilised by the current planning permission. These two small gravel extension areas (the southern parkland/golf course extension and the nettle clump area) would together result in a small overall net gain of 25,800 saleable tonnes of workable reserves of gravel at Nea Farm Quarry.

3.3 The revised phasing scheme for the gravel would enable the deep sand to be worked in tandem with the ongoing gravel operation.

3.4 The existing field conveyor system currently links the Nea Farm quarry with the Blashford plant site to the east on the other side of the River Avon. It is proposed that the conveyor would serve to transport both the gravel and the sand to Blashford which would be the place of sale and dispatch for both materials. The sand and gravel would be sent down the conveyor belt separately.

3.5 It is proposed to `dry screen' the sand (using mobile plant) positioned at both the Nea Farm site and the Blashford plant site, ie before and after transportation via the field conveyor. There would be no change to the gravel `wet processing' operation at Blashford which would continue to take place exclusively at Blashford using existing plant and equipment.

3.6 At 1 January 2006, together with the two additional gravel reserves identified above, 1,619,000 saleable tonnes of gravel remained to be worked. Based on the programmed rates of production the permitted and additional gravel reserves would be exhausted by the end of 2010, approximately 3¼ years before completion of working the sand reserves early in 2014. Accordingly, the new mineral extraction proposals would necessitate a 5-year extension of time for the quarrying operations at Nea Farm and the associated processing operation at Blashford Plant Site beyond the current permitted end date of 31 December 2009.

3.7 Post extraction it is proposed that the land at Nea Farm would be restored by creating a gently undulating agricultural parkland landscape (designed in the `picturesque-style' of the early 19th Century) with a series of small serpentine-style lakes, in keeping with both the historical context of Somerley House and the landscapes of the period.

3.8 To undertake this restoration it is proposed to transport approximately 517,000 cubic metres of soils and overburdens from Tarmac's nearby Blue Haze sand quarry through Forestry Commission land at Ringwood Forest. The proposed haul route would follow both an existing and a purpose created forestry ride, with a total overall length of approximately one km. A temporary traffic light controlled crossing of Harbridge Road, located approximately 470 metres to the south of the Somerley Estate entrance would be required and used for each of the five transportation periods envisaged between 2008 and 2014. Blue Haze Quarry will be restored in the future by Veolia as part of the Chatsworth Landfill permission. The traffic light crossing would accommodate a maximum of 36 dumper truck movements (18 loads) an hour. However, this would not take place every day nor would it take place throughout the life of the development. The applicant has identified five periods when the overburden would be transported across Harbridge Drove in three-month `campaign' periods notably:

· 4^th Quarter of year 3 (2008) 112,200 m³

· 3^rd Quarter of year 4 (2009) 118,100 m³

· 1^st Quarter of year 5 (2010) 84,600 m³

· 2^nd Quarter of year 5 (2010) 33,600 m³

· Middle half of the year (2014) 168,900 m³

3.9 At Blashford the proposed development would result in 30 additional movements per average day on the A338 to the south of the existing site access in year 5 of the works programme (2010) when output and traffic flows at the site are maximised. There would be no increase in traffic flow to the north of the Blashford Plant Site. On cessation of mineral processing operations, the plant site would be restored to a mixture of agricultural grassland, woodland and lakes for nature conservation. Both Nea Farm and Blashford, following completion of restoration in 2015, would be subject to the normal five year aftercare period.

4. Environmental Statement

4.1 An Environmental Statement (ES), as required by the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999, was submitted with the application.

4.2 The ES comprised assessments of the following areas of impact:

(i) Historic, Landscape and Visual Assessment -

Overall conclusion- The assessment process concluded that following completion of the restoration to a parkland landscape the visual impacts on adjacent visual receptors following restoration has been assessed as generally being either Moderate or Substantially beneficial within the Nea Farm area and Neutral elsewhere,

(ii) Ecology- the most sensitive area is through the commercial woodland tracks of Ringwood Forest.

(iii) Hydrology and hydrogeology-the assessment has involved the correlation and examination of hydro-geological and hydrological data supplied by the Environment Agency and Meteorological Office, together with site specific data collected from within and local to the site. The study concludes that where potential for impact exists, the degree of risk is small and the significance of each impact is slight. Furthermore, for these potential impacts, appropriate mitigation measures have been recommended for incorporation to the design of the project to fully mitigate against any significant impacts.

(iv) Highways- at Blashford the proposed development would be accessed via an existing junction within the Strategic Road network on the A338 which meets or exceeds current design standards and has an excellent safety record. Existing/recent mineral operations resulted in traffic flows above the proposed level passing through the site access. The 30 average additional HGV movements proposed south via the A338 would have no significant impact on highway capacity, safety and residential amenity.

4.3 The principle of a haul road crossing over Harbridge Drove has been considered and agreed with the Highways Authority, together with an appropriate form of control.

4.4 Overall it is concluded that the proposed development supports the objectives of local transport policy with respect to mineral developments and highway matters and that the proposed development is acceptable in terms of highway safety matters.

(v) Noise and Vibration- it has been shown by calculation that the appropriate noise limit criterion set by MPG11 at the nearest noise sensitive properties based on the lowest measured background level in the area, can be achieved, even in temporary worst case situations, by the provisions of soil bunds as set out in the various sequence plans.

(vi) Dust Assessment- for the majority of the surrounding residential and community properties the potential of being affected by dust nuisance is minimal and would not increase beyond that which exists or has existed due to quarrying operations in the past. It is considered that the proposed developments at Nea farm and the Blashford plant site are unlikely to increase any potential dust generation that may already exist at the site as a result of permitted excavation and processing activities. The potential for dust nuisance to occur as a result of the proposed transportation of inert material from the Blue Haze site has been assessed and potential nuisance considered to be minimal. It is considered very unlikely that a dust nuisance would be experienced by any of the surrounding receptors. Particularly with the nature woodland surrounding most of the site and the generally low frequencies of unfavourable winds.

(vii) Land, Soil and the Farming Business- the application takes the presence of best and most versatile land into account, avoids significant loss of agricultural land and does not have any adverse impact on affected farming business, so complying with PPS7, Policy E8 of RPG9, Policy C3 of the HCSP and Policy DW-E33 of the New Forest District Local Plan and Policy 7 of the Hampshire Portsmouth and Southampton Minerals and Waste Local Plan. It concludes that provided that the working and restoration proposals are carefully carried out, the only permanent minor adverse impact would be the loss of 18 hectares of agricultural land as a result of the creation of four water bodies.

(viii) Need for Mineral - the current land bank for sand and gravel is significantly below the minimum requirement of seven years but with an even greater deficiency in terms of the soft sand land bank which is quoted in the last (2004/05) Hampshire Minerals and Waste Annual Monitoring Report as 2.3 years. The development is in accordance with policy.

(ix) Cultural Heritage Assessment- the continuation of the existing programme of trail trenching recording of identified archaeology should be extended into the proposed extensions. Any remains identified could be preserved by record, in accordance with PPG16. This assessment has not identified any significant effects on cultural heritage as a result of the proposed changes to the Blashford plant site.

4.5 It is the conclusion of this ES that the proposed lateral and vertical extension to Nea Farm Quarry can be developed without causing significant or unacceptable environmental impact on the local area or detrimental effect on the amenity of local residents and that the delivery of the restoration at Nea Farm will provide significant landscape gains. It also concludes that the overall environmental acceptability of the scheme is reinforced by the need for additional resources of sand and gravel to be released for extraction in order to meet land bank requirements and maintain continuity of supply.

5. Development Plan

5.1 Hampshire County Structure Plan - policies MW1 and MW2.

5.2 Hampshire Portsmouth and Southampton Minerals and Waste Local Plan - policies 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 19 and 20.

5.3 Mineral and Waste Development Framework `Core' Strategy 2006 - policies DC1, DC2, DC4, DC6, DC8, DC10, DC12 and DC15.

6. Consultations

6.1 Local member Councillor Heron has been informed of the proposal and is concerned about the impact the traffic light crossing may have on traffic using Harbridge Drove during peak times particularly during road improvements and diversions planned for the A338 which may encourage more traffic up Harbridge Drove.

6.2 Ellingham, Harbridge and Ibsley Parish Councils have been informed of the proposal.

6.3 The Environment Agency raises no objections to the proposal and states that there are no waste management activities involved because it is only proposed to move overburden from one site (Blue Haze) to another (Nea Farm).

6.4 English Nature raises no objection to the principle of the proposal but would strongly recommend that the County Council includes conditions that protect the European protected sites and have suggested two conditions relating to the erection of temporary reptile fencing along the proposed haul route whilst it is operational and a bird survey before the forest operations commence on the haul road to ensure that there are no breeding woodlark within 10 metres of the edge of the haul road. In addition, due to the additional disturbance to the environment from these activities, English Nature would like to see some form of enhancement of this habitat after it has been used as a haulage route by widening of the rides.

6.5 The Environmental Health Officer raises no objections to the proposal subject to conditions relating to dust suppression and noise monitoring.

6.6 The Highways Adviser raises no highway objection to the proposal subject to the signalised junction meeting the Highway authority's standards and subject to the following conditions:

(i) the crossing of Harbridge Drove by the proposed haul road as shown on the Hurlstone Partnership Drawing Number 2 Fig. 2, dated May 2006 and submitted as part of the application, to be constructed and maintained for the duration of the works by the applicant to the satisfaction of the Highway Authority prior to the commencement of operations;

(ii) upon completion of the works, the crossing of Harbridge Drove shall be dismantled and any remedial works considered necessary by the Highway authority shall be undertaken by the applicant; and

(iii) the crossing shall not be operated Sundays or Bank Holidays.

6.7 He adds that due to the proposed sporadic yet intensive use of the haul road it has been decided that the safest method for crossing Harbridge Drove at this point would be to use temporary signals at times when the vehicles are using the haul roads. During these intensive periods there would be a maximum number of 36 vehicle movements per hour.

6.8 The signals would have 165 metre visibility on the south bound approach and 225 metres on the northbound approach which meets the specification in TA12/81 Traffic Signals on High Speed Roads. Some verge clearance would take place which would not only improve the visibility for the signals but would be of benefit to the wider highway user.

6.9 The Rights of Way Officer has been informed of the proposal.

6.10 The Civil Aviation Authority (Bournemouth) raises no objection to the proposal.

6.11 New Forest District Council raises no objections to the proposal.

6.12 The New Forest National Park Authority comments that the site benefits from existing infrastructure (including road access) and the application must be considered on its merits against Policy 20 of the Local Plan and that the guidance in section 62(2) of the Environment Act 1995, the impact of additional HGV traffic on the National Park, and the River Avon Special Protection Area must be given full weight in considering this application. The National Park Authority is disappointed that the EIA study area was established at a 3km radius from the boundary of the site which extends right up to the National Park boundary but does not include any of the National Park. It would have liked to have seen reference to views actually from within the national park instead of from the elevated New Forest plateau adjacent.

6.13 The Department of Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) raises no objections to the proposal.

7. Representations

7.1 There have been letters of objection to the proposal from two residents of Harbridge Court. Objections are raised on the grounds of the safety of the proposed crossing point. Residents consider that an alternative route crossing Harbridge Drove south of Blue Haze Kennels and then running between Blue Haze kennels and Chatsworth landfill site into Blue Haze Quarry would be preferable.

7.2 One letter making comments about the footpath to be implemented at Blashford and the bunds at Ibsley Lake has been received from a resident of Mockbeggar Lane, Ibsley.

8. Chief Planning Adviser's Comments

8.1 The principle of the deep sand extraction is considered to be in accordance with Policy 20 of the HPSMLP because there is a need for additional reserves of soft sand and it involves a small scale extension to, and deepening of, an existing active sand and gravel extraction site.

8.2 The latest figures available for the sand land bank for Hampshire in the Hampshire Minerals and Waste Annual Monitoring Report 2004/05 indicate a land bank of only 2.3 years, some 4.7 years below the required seven-year land bank.

8.3 There are no statutory objections to the proposal subject to conditions controlling noise and dust; to protect bird and reptile species near the proposed haul road, and highway matters relating to road safety issues.

8.4 Two residents have objected on grounds of the road safety aspects of the proposed crossing point. Their concerns were discussed at a meeting between the applicant, the residents, and officers from the County Council where the applicants explained the alternative routes evaluated as part of the EIA process.

8.5 The Highway Authority has no objections to the proposed road crossing subject to a Section 278 agreement relating to the construction of the traffic light crossing and conditions including the construction of visibility splays to the required standard. It is considered that the crossing provides an appropriate and satisfactory means of access.

8.6 Planning permission was granted earlier this year for a change to the restoration scheme at Blashford quarry. A Section 106 agreement was attached to the permission requiring the implementation of footpaths for public use. The comments made by the resident of Ibsley are noted but the proposed footpath will be a benefit to the local community. The bunds to which this resident refers on the west side of Ibsley Water were retained following a previous decision. The footpath is now being constructed and is not subject of any matters retaining to this application.

8.7 To conclude, taking all matters into account it is considered that the proposal will enable the extraction of building sand, for which there is a proven need in Hampshire, to take place in a manner that has no detrimental environmental effects. Restoration would be undertaken in a sustainable way using excess restoration materials available from an exiting quarry (Blue Haze) via a forest route that only involves traffic crossing one public highway at one point. Accordingly, it is recommended that permission be granted for the development subject to a Section 106 agreement that carried forward the nature conservation management and footpath requirements of a previous consent and a section 278 agreement relating to the implementation of the traffic light crossing and associated maintenance of Harbridge Drove.

Recommendation

That planning permission be granted for deep sand extraction in tandem with existing (and proposed) gravel extraction with restoration to an agricultural parkland landscape at Nea Farm Quarry, Blashford and Blue Haze Quarries, Somerley, for the following reason and subject to 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

Commencement

(1) The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

Reason: To comply with Section 91(as amended) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

Timescale

(2) The winning and working of the minerals, at Nea Farm Quarry hereby approved together with transportation of the minerals by field conveyor from Nea Farm Quarry to Blashford Plant Site, the processing of minerals at Blashford Plant Site, including the manufacture of ready mixed concrete, bagging and recycling, shall cease by 31 December 2014 and the associated plant, conveyor and associated equipment and machinery, equipment, buildings and offices removed [do we need to give a timescale to this removal?]; and the land at Nea Farm Quarry restored to a combination of agriculture and parkland (including lakes and tree planting) and the restoration of Blashford Quarry to a combination of agriculture, woodland, nature conservation and footpaths shall be completed by 31 December 2015. in accordance with the detailed restoration scheme to be submitted to the Mineral and Waste Planning Authority outlined under Conditions 24 and 25 below.

Reason: To comply with schedule five of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, and to minimise the duration of disturbance from the operations hereby approved.

(3) Plans shall be submitted to the Mineral Planning authority for approval in writing by 31 December 2009 or by the completion of extraction at Blue Haze Quarry, whichever is the sooner, to show where overburden/restoration materials will be stored at Blue haze Quarry awaiting transportation to Nea Farm via the approved Forest haul route forming part of this consent.

Reason: To demonstrate that the storage of materials at Blue Haze Quarry under this permission for restoration purposes at Nea Farm will not interfere with the phased infilling of the Blue Haze void with waste as detailed in the scheme of working (August 2005) for Chatsworth landfill permission no. 0006045M.

(4) The transportation of overburden/restoration materials from Blue Haze Quarry to Nea Farm via the Forest haul route approved by way of this permission shall cease by 30 September 2014 and the haul route restored in accordance with a scheme to be submitted to the Mineral Planning Authority for approval within two years of the date of this permission.

Reason: To control the restoration of Nea Farm Quarry, ensure the continuation of landfill at Chatsworth and ensure that the land subject of the haul route is restored to a satisfactory condition.

Working Scheme

(5) The development at Nea Farm Quarry shall be undertaken in accordance with the details of the approved "Sequenced Working and Restoration Description" prepared by L&M Consulting dated 19th May 2006 and submitted as part of application number 06/88238 subject to the clarification by the applicant in writing to the Mineral Planning Authority of the location of overburden/restoration materials on the Nea Farm site throughout the life of the development and the location of noise mitigation bunds to all nearby sensitive residential receptors.

Reason:  To enable the Mineral Planning Authority to adequately control the development and to minimise its impact on the amenities of the local area.

Hours of Working

(6) Except with the prior agreement of the Mineral Planning Authority in writing, no operations authorised or required by this permission, including the arrival and departure of vehicles, to Nea Farm from Blue Haze Quarry and to the Blashford Plant site, shall be carried out and plant shall not be operated other than during the following hours: between 0700 and 1800 Monday to Friday; 0800 to 1300 on Saturday (apart from the ready mix concrete plant and associated plant necessary to enable ready mix concrete to be despatched, located within the main Blashford plant site, which may commence as currently approved at 0700 on Saturday).

Reason: In the interest of the amenities of the area.

Highways

(7) The only permitted access for vehicles entering and leaving the Blashford Plant site is the applicants existing main access point onto the A338. The only permitted access for the transportation of restoration materials across Harbridge Drove is that location shown on approved drawing Hurlstone Partnership Drawing No. 2 Fig. 2, dated May 2006.  No vehicular access is to take place within the Site of Special Scientific Interest/proposed Special Protection Area to the west of the Blashford Plant site, other than conveyor maintenance vehicles.

Reason: To ensure the protection of the Site of Special Scientific Interest/proposed Special Protection Area.

(8) Prior to the commencement of the development, the haul route crossing of Harbridge Drove, as shown on the Hurlstone Partnership drawing Number 2 Fig 2, dated May 2006 and submitted as part of application number 06/88238 shall be constructed and maintained for the duration of works by the applicant to the satisfaction of the Highway Authority.

Reason: In the interests of Highway Safety

(9) Measures shall be taken to ensure that no mud is deposited on any public highway. If, in the rare event, this does happen the mud must be thoroughly removed from the highway immediately following its deposition.

Reason: In the interests of Highway Safety

(10) On completion of the transportation of materials across Harbridge Drove from Blue Haze to Nea Farm for restoration purposes, the crossing of Harbridge Drove shall be dismantled and any remedial works considered necessary by the Highway Authority to ensure that Harbridge Drove is returned to its former condition shall be undertaken within a timeframe and by way of a methodology to be agreed beforehand by the Highway Authority in writing. Also, the visibility splay shall be prepared for replanting and shall be then planted with broad leaved native trees in accordance with a scheme to be agreed beforehand with the Mineral Planning Authority. The replanting shall take place within the first planting season following the removal of the haul route crossing.

Reason: In the interests of Highway Safety and the amenities of the area.

(11) The traffic lights shall be removed within 48 hours after each quarterly `campaign' haulage of materials from Blue Haze to Nea Farm Quarry has been completed and replaced shortly before the next `campaign is to recommence'.

Reason: In the interests of Highway Safety.

Protection of Water Environment

(12) All silts and fines that accumulate around various parts of the conveyor system linking Nea Farm Quarry and Blashford Plant Site shall be contained, to the satisfaction of the Mineral Planning Authority, so that they are not deposited in the River Avon or on its associated floodplains.

Reason: To protect against the risk of flooding.

(13) No excavation shall take place to levels below the final working depth indicated on the approved drawings unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Mineral Planning Authority.

Reason: To ensure that the final landform is in keeping with the locality and capable of beneficial after-use.

(14) No refuse shall be burnt on-site or deposited in any watercourse and no disposal of waste materials shall take place within 20 metres of the boundary of any watercourse.

Reason: In the interests of the amenities of the area and nature conservation.

(15) No dewatering shall take place on the site without the prior approval of the Mineral Planning Authority in writing.

Reason: In order to safeguard against water pollution and ensure the site is capable of satisfactory restoration.

Landscape

(16) Within 12 months of development commencing a detailed scheme of landscaping for the site shall be submitted to the Mineral Planning Authority for approval in writing.  The scheme shall specify the types, size and species of all trees and shrubs to be planted; details of all trees to be retained; and details of fencing/enclosure of the site, phasing and timescales for carrying out the works, and provision for 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 visual amenity.

(17) No work shall be carried out within the crown spread of existing preserved trees, either underground or on the surface, including the storage of materials and excavated soil, unless otherwise agreed by the Mineral Planning Authority in writing. All existing tress and shrubs retained and /or previously planted around the perimeter of the application site for landscaping purposes shall be maintained in a healthy condition. Any tress or shrubs which die, are removed without permission, or become seriously damaged or diseased shall be replaced in the next planting season with others of similar size and species.

Reason: To protect the health and stability of trees to be retained within and on the boundaries of the site.

(18) The handling and movement of soils during both stripping and replacement operations should only be carried out in suitable weather conditions and when soils are dry and friable, to prevent compaction, smearing and loss of structure.

Reason: To minimise damage to existing and proposed soil reserves.

(19) All soil storage bunds intended to remain in situ for more than six months or over the winter period are to be grassed over and weed control and other necessary maintenance carried out to the satisfaction of the Mineral Planning Authority. The seed mixture and the application rates are to be agreed with the Mineral Planning Authority in writing no less than one month before it is expected to complete the formation of the storage bunds.

Reason: To preserve the existing soil resource and prevent weed spread.

(20) A survey of the working face positions and working / restored landform at Nea Farm Quarry shall be undertaken annually by the applicant and copies made available to the Mineral Planning Authority on request

Reason: To facilitate the monitoring of the development and ensure the land is capable of restoration in accordance with the approved details.

(21) The Mineral Planning Authority shall be given 14 days prior notice of any tree felling operations related to this development.

Reason: In the interest of local amenity.

(22) Material stockpiles at Blashford plant site shall not exceed six metres above existing plant site base levels. Stockpiles at Nea Farm quarry shall not exceed three metres above existing ground levels, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Mineral Planning Authority and at a location to be agreed in writing by the Mineral Planning authority prior to the development commencing.

Reason: In the interests of local amenities and the landscape character and agricultural use of the area and site.

(23) No trees shall be felled during bird nesting seasons unless otherwise agreed in writing by the mineral Planning Authority.

Reason: To ensure the protection of breeding birds.

Restoration

(24) The site of Nea Farm quarry shall be restored progressively an agricultural parkland landscape, including lakes and tree planting in accordance with the principles outlined in the following approved documents and drawings submitted as part of application number 06/88238:

(a) The land use and topographical proposals in approved Drawing Numbers

B58/237A entitled "Revised Restoration Plan" dated May 2006;

B58/238B entitled "Restoration Sections 1-4" dated May 2006; and

B58/239A entitled "Restoration Sections (Detailed) A-D dated May 2006.

(b) The tree, shrub and grass planting, maintenance and protection details in the approved "Aftercare Management Strategy" prepared by Copthill Environmental Land Management dated May 2006.

(c) The timing and sequence of restoration; the thickness and quality of any subsoil and topsoil to be used in restoration; and the method of soil handling and spreading including the machinery to be used as detailed in the approved "Sequenced Working and Restoration Description" prepared by L&M Consulting dated 19th May 2006.

Details expanding on these restoration principles shall be submitted to the Mineral Planning Authority within six months of the date of this permission and shall include details of:

(i) the maximum area of land to be left open and unrestored at any one time;

(ii) details relating to the lake margins and the conduit/valley feature linking two of the lakes;

(iii) cross sections at a detailed scale demonstrating the type of planting to be undertaken around the lake margins and features within the lake boundaries;

(iv) details of fencing, gates, path surfacing, drive surfacing and any foot or vehicle bridges to be constructed; and

(v) proposals for opening up the views of Shepherds Lodge.

Reason: To ensure that the site is satisfactorily restored.

(25) Blashford plant site and the area to the south forming part of the application area known as Goblins lake shall be restored to agriculture, nature conservation and amenity including the provision of footpaths in accordance with a scheme to be submitted to the Mineral Planning Authority within 6 months of the date of this [certificate] [?permission].

Reason: To ensure that the site is satisfactory restored in a way that enhances the landscape, conservation and amenities of the area.

(26) Within six months of the date of this permission a restoration scheme for the Goblins Lake area, including any earthworks or footway crossings required as part of the proposed footpath network, and any thinning of existing woodland as appropriate shall be submitted to the Mineral Planning Authority for approval in writing and the land restored and planted for nature conservation purposes in accordance with the approved scheme within 12 months from the date of this permission. [does this duplicate condition 25 above?]

Reason: In the interest of local amenities

(27) All topsoil and overburden stripped from the areas to be excavated shall be removed and stored separately before operations commence for use in site restoration.  Topsoil shall only be handled when dry and friable. Following tipping and during restoration, overburden shall be replaced and graded in accordance with the final levels hereby approved, any necessary measures shall be taken to alleviate any soil compaction.  The overburden shall in turn be covered with the topsoil in original sequence and to even depths.

Reason:  To ensure the satisfactory restoration of the land to agriculture.

(28) Soil stripping, excavation of minerals and restoration of the Nea Farm site shall take place progressively in accordance with those details approved under the restoration scheme required above.

Reason: To ensure that disturbance of land at any one time is limited and in the interest of local amenities.

Restriction of Permitted Development Rights

(29) Notwithstanding the provisions of Parts 4, 8 and 25 of Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (or any order revoking and re-enacting that order):

(i) fixed plant or machinery, buildings, structures and erections or private ways shall not be erected, extended, installed or replaced at the site without the prior agreement of the Waste Planning Authority in writing;

(ii) no telecommunications antenna shall be installed or erected without the prior agreement of the Waste Planning Authority in writing.

Reason:  to protect the amenities of the area.

Archaeology

(30) No extraction shall take place until the applicant has secured the implementation of a programme of archaeological work, in accordance with a written scheme of investigation, which has been submitted by the applicant and approved by the Planning Authority. For the purposes of this application this should take two forms:

(i) In the new extraction areas (Nettle Clump and the Southern Parkland), a programme of trial trenching should be carried out well in advance of the extraction programme. The purpose of this is to fully assess the archaeological potential of these areas. The results of this trial trenching will inform any further archaeological mitigation work required before the commencement of the extraction programme.

(ii) Any previously identified archaeological features to be impacted, either through aggregates extraction or through re-landscaping, will be excavated to a standard agreed through the submission and approval of a supplementary WSI.

Reason:  In the interests of archaeology.

(31) Topsoil and subsoil stockpiles and those parts of the site where stripping has not been undertaken shall be kept free of broadleaved weeds and all necessary steps shall be taken at any early stage of growth to prevent seeding.

Reason: To facilitate the satisfactory restoration of the land.

After-Care

(32) The aftercare of Nea Farm Quarry shall be undertaken in accordance with the details of the "Aftercare Management Strategy" prepared by Copthill Environmental Land Management dated May 2006 submitted as part of application number 06/88238.

Reason: in the interests of local amenity

(33) An after-care scheme for Blashford Quarry requiring such steps as may be necessary to bring that part of the land to the required standard for the use of nature conservation, agriculture and woodland shall be submitted for the approval of the Mineral Planning Authority within 12 months of the date of this permission.

Reason: To facilitate the acceptable subsequent agricultural use of land.

(34) Aftercare of the restored agricultural, parkland and woodland land shall take place for a period of five years in accordance with the approved outline and detailed schemes unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Mineral Planning Authority, as soon as land is restored in accordance with the conditions of this permission. After-care of the areas for nature conservation at Blashford Quarry shall be agreed with the Mineral Planning Authority in writing, the management of which is detailed by way of legal agreement attached to this permission.

Reason: To ensure that the restored land is correctly husbanded.

(35) No later than four weeks before each annual meeting referred to above a detailed scheme for the aftercare of the restored land shall be submitted to the Mineral planning authority. No later than two weeks following the annual meeting a detailed scheme (revised as necessary following the annual meeting) shall be submitted for the approval of the Mineral planning authority in writing.

Reason: to bring the land to a standard suitable for agricultural use and nature conservation.

Noise and Dust

(36) Within three months of the date of the permission a dust suppression scheme shall be submitted to the Mineral planning authority for approval in writing and thereafter implanted and approved.

Reason: In the interests of local amenity.

(37) Within three months of the date of this certificate a scheme of noise monitoring shall be submitted to the Mineral Planning Authority for approval relating to the protection of nearby residential properties.

Reason: In the interests of local amenities

(38) Prior to the commencement of the development screening bunds shall be erected to the satisfaction of the Mineral Planning Authority as previously approved under planning permission 051485M to ensure the protection of nearby residents - New Barn Cottage, Whitehoe Cottages and Nea Lodge and to ensure no noise travels west that could cause a noise nuisance to Harbridge Court and Nea cottages.

Reason: In the interest of local amenities

(39) All vehicles, plant and machinery operated within the site shall be maintained in accordance with the manufacturers specification at all times, and shall be fitted with and use effective silencers.

Reason:  To minimise noise disturbance from operations at the site.

(40) Noise emitted from the mineral site, including vehicle movements on the associated haul road, shall not exceed a nominal daytime noise limit of 48dB (A) LAeq, I hour, (free field) at the boundary of any noise sensitive premises.

Reason: In the interest of local amenity.

(41) Noise emitted from temporary works associated with site preparation, including the stripping and movement of any soil and the construction of earth bunds, shall not exceed 70dB (A) LAeq, 1 hour (free field) at the boundary of any noise sensitive premises for more than eight weeks in any calendar year.

Reason: In the interest of local amenity.

(42) The proposed scheme to include monitoring of both temporary and normal mineral extraction activities, undertaken with a frequency of at least once every three months reducing to six-monthly after the first year of operations. Each noise assessment report to be provided to the mineral Planning Authority.

Reason: In the interest of local amenity.

Footpaths

(43) Within 6 months of the date of this permission the footpath, as dedicated to Hampshire County Council by way of the legal agreement attached to this permission, linking the Goblins Lake area east of Karma Cottage with Ellingham Drove shall have been constructed to the satisfaction of the Mineral Planning Authority.

Reason: In the interest of the amenities of the area.

Nature Conservation

(44) In order to protect Smooth Snakes and common reptiles that if haulage between Blue Haze and Nea Farm takes place between 1st March and 31st September that reptile fencing is placed alongside the part of the haulage road that these species are known to exist. It should be put up and taken down each year to allow some movement, not left up for the whole 5-8 years.

Reason: To ensure the protection of smooth snakes and reptiles.

(45) In order to protect breeding Hobby and Woodlark that if haulage operations between Blue Haze and Nea Farm are to start after the 1st March and before the 31st August for the first time that season that a bird survey is undertaken and if any breeding birds are found less than 10m from the haulage track then the route cannot be used until the young have fledged. This would also be the case that if haulage takes place during this time and there is a break of more than one week that the survey should be carried out again.

Reason: To protect breeding hobby and woodlark species.

1080/JD

Annexe to Reasons for Conditions

(as required by Article 22 of the Town and Country Planning

(General Procedure) Order 1995 - as amended)

__________________________________________________________________

Hampshire County Structure Plan (Review) 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.

Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton Minerals and Waste Local Plan (Adopted) 1998

Policy 6

Permission will be granted for minerals and waste development provided the Mineral/Waste Planning Authority is satisfied that:

(i) there is a clearly established need for the development (as assessed in relation to the other relevant policies of the Plan) which outweighs any adverse environmental or other impact that the development would be likely to cause; and

(ii) the development would not be likely to give rise to an unacceptable level of adverse environmental, traffic or other impact, pollution risk or danger to public health, particularly in respect of any of the factors specified in Policy 7 and measures would be taken to ensure that any such impacts would, as far as is practicable, be minimised; and

(iii) the proposals provide for the satisfactory working or operation and landscaping of the site and for its satisfactory restoration and landscaping at the cessation of the operations or use or at the end of the life of the facility to a condition suitable for an agreed beneficial after-use which is compatible with adjoining land uses and the planning policies for the area.

Notwithstanding any need there may be for waste disposal, permission will not normally be granted for mineral extraction with restoration by infilling with waste materials unless there is a need for the mineral to be extracted.

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 9

Applications for planning permission for minerals or waste development in the following areas will not be granted save where there is an overriding need for the development to take place and any adverse effects can be satisfactorily ameliorated:

(i) Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation and Local Nature Reserves;

(ii) Ground Water Source Protection Zone 1 (Inner Source Protection) areas;

(iii) sites on the County Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.

Policy 10

The Mineral and Waste Planning Authorities will impose conditions on planning permissions for minerals and waste development to minimise any adverse environmental, traffic or other impact resulting from the development and to ensure appropriate restoration and after-care of the site. Where such impacts cannot adequately be controlled by conditions, the Mineral and Waste Planning Authorities will seek appropriate planning obligations and/or legal agreements in order to control operations and/or to secure the enhancement of the environment or benefit to the local community.

Policy 14

The Mineral and Waste Planning Authorities will grant planning permission for minerals or waste development provided they are satisfied that:

(i) adequate provision has been made for the satisfactory restoration and after-care of the site to the highest practicable standard so as to be suitable for the agreed beneficial after-use when the operation or use of the site has ceased or the facility has reached the end of its life, which after-use should normally be agriculture, woodland, heathland or other nature conservation or amenity use; and

(ii) in the case of mineral working and waste disposal by landfilling or landraising, the land will be progressively restored within the shortest practicable timescale such that the rate of restoration is as far as practicable commensurate with the rate of extraction and/or disposal and the land will be subject to appropriate after-care to ensure that it is restored to a condition satisfactory for the agreed after-use of the site; and

(iii) the restoration and after-care provisions can be ensured by means of conditions attached to the planning permission or through a planning obligation or other appropriate legal agreement.

Examples of subjects of planning obligations and agreements are cited in Appendix 5.

The Mineral Planning Authority will grant planning permission for the extraction of sand and gravel from land within the following preferred areas, as shown on the proposals map inset maps:

Area 1 - North of Welshman's Road, Mortimer West End;

Area 2 - Bramshill Plateau, Hartley Wintney/Eversley;

Area 3 - Roke Manor, Shootash;

Area 4 - Gardeners Lane (The Triangle), Ridge;

Area 5 - Bleak Hill, Harbridge;

Area 6 - Plumley Wood and Farm, Ringwood Forest;

Area 7 - Blue Haze (North), Ringwood Forest;

provided that the development proposals meet the specific criteria for the preferred area as set out in the text accompanying the proposals map inset maps.

Policy 20

The Mineral Planning Authorities will not grant planning permission for the extraction of sand and gravel from land outside the preferred areas specified in Policy 19 unless they are satisfied that the proposal is in conformity with the other policies of the Plan and that:

either:

(i) there is a need for additional permitted reserves of sand and gravel (as assessed against Policies 16-18) which cannot reasonably be met from within the preferred areas; and it can be demonstrated that working of such land would be equally acceptable to working within a preferred area;

or:

(ii) the proposed development involves a small scale extension to or deepening of an existing active sand and gravel extraction site.

Minerals and Waste Development Framework "Core" Strategy

Policy DC1 - Sustainable Minerals and Waste Development

Minerals and waste developments will only be permitted if they meet the standards outlined in Policy S1 and, in appropriate circumstances, are designed and constructed to use water and energy efficiently.

Policy DC2 - Sites with International and National Designations

Minerals and waste development, which is likely to prejudice the purpose of the following designated sites, will not be permitted unless the reasons for development outweigh the likely adverse impact, taking into account the requirements of relevant legislation and guidance. Internationally Designated Sites: European Sites ( Special Protection Areas, proposed Special Protection Areas, Special Areas of Conservation, proposed Special Areas of Conservation) and Ramsar sites (Wetlands of International Importance ); Nationally Designated Sites: The New Forest National Park, the proposed South Downs National Park and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty; National Nature Reserves, Sites of Special Scientific Interest; Scheduled Ancient Monuments and their settings; Conservation Areas, Listed Buildings, and sites on the National Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest; Registered Battlefields. In all case, applications will be subject to the most rigorous examination.

Policy DC4 - Historic Heritage

Minerals and waste development will be granted if due regard is given to the likely effects on the need to protect and safeguard sites of archaeological, historical, and architectural importance, and the settings of these sites.

Policy DC6 - Highways

Major mineral extractions, landfills and `strategic' recycling, aggregate processing and recovery and treatment facilities, will be permitted provided they have a suitable access to and/or route to the minerals and waste lorry route as illustrated on the Key Diagram. In all cases, minerals and waste development will only be permitted if it pays due regard to the likely volume and nature of traffic that would be generated by the proposal and the suitability of the proposed access to the site and of the road network that would be affected. Consideration should be given to highway capacity, road and pedestrian safety, congestion and environmental impact, and whether any highway improvements are required and whether these could be carried out satisfactorily without causing unacceptable environmental impact.

Policy DC8 - Pollution, health, quality of life and amenity

Minerals and waste development will only be permitted if due regard is given to the pollution and amenity impacts on the residents and users of the locality and there is unlikely to be an unacceptable impact on health and/or the quality of life of occupants of nearby dwellings and other sensitive properties. Where necessary minerals and waste developments should include mitigation measures, such as buffer zones between the site and such properties.

Policy DC10 - Water Resources

Non-hazardous landfill developments in areas that overlie major aquifers and Groundwater Source Protection Zones I and II, and mineral extraction or inert landfill in areas that overlie major aquifers and Groundwater Source Protection Zone I will not be permitted. All minerals and waste developments will only be permitted if they are unlikely to have an unacceptable impact on coastal, surface or ground waters and due regard is given to water conservation and efficiency.

Policy DC12 - Restoration and Aftercare

Mineral extraction, landfill and other appropriate developments will not be permitted unless there is satisfactory provision for the restoration of the site, within a reasonable timescale, for an after use consistent with the general planning objectives of the area. The restoration and after care of sites should seek to meet two or more of the following planning objectives:

a. Improving public access to the countryside, including public access for disabled people and recreation;

b. Use for management of water resources and/or flooding management;

c. The improvement of biodiversity;

d. Use as back-up grazing for the New Forest;

e. Return to agriculture, forestry or other `open' use recreational facilities. Proposals for mineral extraction and landfill must include provision for at least five years of aftercare following restoration of the site. Restoration proposals for mineral workings in Aerodrome Safeguarding Zones should take account of the need for progressive working and restoration, to prevent open water bodies becoming bird roosts.

Policy DC15 - Sand and gravel

Sand and gravel extraction will be permitted, provided the site:

a. Is identified for sand and gravel extraction in the Hampshire Minerals Plan or pending its adoption, is within the Mineral Resource Area shown on the Key Diagram, or

b. The proposed development involves a small-scale extension to or deepening of an active sand and gravel extraction site, or

c. There is less than seven years of permitted reserves of sand and gravel and a need for sand and gravel which cannot reasonably be met from identified sites and locations and it can be shown that working such land would be equally acceptable to working within an identified site or location, and

d. Is not within or likely to adversely impact upon the setting of the New Forest National Park, the Proposed South Downs National Park or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and

e. The proposals include restoration opportunities for increasing biodiversity or access to public open space, or help to meet other planning objectives, and

f. Where necessary, proposals for landscaping and planting (prior to operation) are included, and

g. Is close to, and with good access to, the minerals and waste lorry route illustrated on the Key Diagram.