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

1. Summary

1.1 The proposals are to demolish the former baling shed, construct two new waste transfer buildings and reorganise the external storage/transfer activities at the Otterbourne Waste Transfer Facility, Poles Lane, Otterbourne.

1.2 The proposed waste transfer buildings would be beneficial environmentally in enclosing waste transfer operations and the proposed alterations to the external storage would improve operational efficiency. The site is well-located away from housing and visually well-contained by trees and topography. Therefore, subject to a legal agreement to retain the established cap on total lorry movements, the development is acceptable.

2. Recommendation

That, subject to a legal agreement to retain the established cap on total lorry movements, planning permission for the demolition of the former baling shed and erection of two new waste transfer buildings and other external alterations at Otterbourne Waste Transfer Station, Poles Lane, Otterbourne, Winchester (Application No 07/03077/HCS W00965/14) be granted, subject to the conditions set out in Appendix 1, for the following reason:

Reason for Approval

The proposed waste transfer buildings would be beneficial environmentally in enclosing waste transfer operations and the proposed alterations to the external storage would improve operational efficiency. The site is well-located away from housing and visually well-contained by trees and topography. It is considered that the proposal would be in accordance with the development plan (summary attached in Appendix 2) 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.

3. Site and Proposal

3.1 The site, as shown on the attached location plan, comprises an area of 1.66 hectares and is currently in use as a waste transfer facility. There are no houses close to the site, which is surrounded by woodland and agricultural land. Access is from Poles Lane.

3.2 The proposals are to demolish the former baling shed and construct two new waste transfer buildings and reorganise the external storage/transfer activities. The baling shed is next to the waste transfer building and dates from the time of the Otterbourne Incinerator. It is being used for storing waste electrical goods and waste paints from Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) but is no longer fit for purpose.

3.3 Two new waste transfer buildings would be constructed in the same location as the baling shed. One would measure 30 metres by 30 metres by 11.5 metres to eaves (15.3 metres maximum height). The building would be of steel frame construction covered with light grey (similar to colour of existing waste transfer building) PVC-coated flame-retardant polyester fabric. Internally there would be a concrete-floored tipping area with concrete walls on three sides. This building would be used for recyclable waste (paper, plastic, metals, green garden waste, etc) and have separate bays for the different wastes. This would enable the existing waste transfer building to be used primarily for mixed municipal waste going for incineration or landfill.

3.4 The second waste transfer building would be an open-fronted steel-framed building measuring 10 metres by 20 metres by 8 metres high. This would be used for storing hazardous waste material from HWRCs comprising televisions, visual display units, paint and other low-risk hazardous waste material.

3.5 In addition, four new external storage bays would be constructed for glass, and a further bay constructed for fridge and tyre storage. All these bays would be concrete-based with drainage to foul sewer.

3.6 The proposals do not change the range of wastes handled by the site, nor is it anticipated that it would lead to an increase in throughput (the site currently handles about 186,500 tonnes of waste per year). Except for the two weeks after Christmas and Easter, there is a limitation on the lorry traffic to a maximum average of 140 loads (280 movements) per day secured through a legal agreement. There is no proposed change to this limitation with this application, and the applicant is prepared to enter a legal agreement to ensure this is the case. The purpose of the application is to improve the quality of the waste transfer facilities and rationalise the external uses.

4. Development Plan

4.1 Hampshire Minerals and Waste Core Strategy Policies DC3 (visual impact); DC6 (highways); DC8 (pollution and amenity); and DC13 (waste management and recycling) apply.

5. Consultations

5.1 Winchester City Council raises no objection subject to a continuation of the legal agreement and condition concerning landscaping.

5.2 Winchester City Council Environmental Health Officer raises no objection subject to conditions restricting hours of working for demolition and construction, that no materials to be burnt on site.

5.3 Environment Agency raises objection on grounds of insufficient information to demonstrate that the risk of pollution to controlled waters is acceptable.

5.4 Otterbourne Parish Council, Compton and Shawford Parish Council and Hursley Parish Council have been informed. No comments have been received.

5.5 The local Member, Councillor Mrs Bailey, comments that the proposals will make the site more efficient, and the new buildings will have no measurable impact for the local community. She appreciates the number of HGV movements will continue as previously set, but is concerned there should also be a tonnage capacity limit.

6. Representations

6.1 No representations have been received.

7. Commentary

7.1 The proposal is to construct new waste transfer buildings and reorganisation of external storage in order to improve the efficiency of the site. The additional buildings would be environmentally beneficial in enclosing waste transfer activities.

7.2 The objection from the Environment Agency is noted, but this a technical drainage matter that will be resolved by the Waste Management Licence if not before.

7.3 The proposed building would match the colour of the existing waste transfer station. Although the new building is higher than the existing transfer station, it would not be visually intrusive as the site is at a lower level and well-screened by woodland and topography. For the same reasons the external storage would not be visible from outside the site.

7.4 There are no houses near the site, and operations within the site have not given rise to complaint. However there have been concerns raised in the past from residents in Otterbourne about the associated lorry traffic. As a consequence there is a legal agreement which sets a maximum cap for lorry traffic going to and from the site. The applicant states that this application would not lead to an increase in this maximum figure, and is prepared to enter into a legal agreement to apply the cap on maximum lorry movements to this proposal.

7.5 In conclusion the proposed waste transfer buildings would be beneficial environmentally in enclosing waste transfer operations, and the proposed alterations to the external storage would improve operational efficiency. The site is well-located away from housing and visually well-contained by trees and topography. Therefore, subject to a legal agreement to retain the capping of lorry traffic, the proposals are recommended for approval.

1573/PDC

APPENDIX 1

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.

Materials

(2) Prior to development commencing, the details of the construction materials and colours for the waste transfer buildings shall be submitted to the Waste Planning Authority for approval in writing. The details shall be implemented as approved.

Reason: To secure a satisfactory form of development.

Outside Storage

(3) Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Waste Planning Authority, no waste or recycled material shall be stored outside the waste transfer buildings other than within the areas shown on Drawing No. OTT/06/002.

Reason: In the interests of local amenity.

Protection of Water Environment

(4) Prior to development commencing an investigation shall be undertaken, and details of appropriate measures to prevent pollution of groundwater and surface water, including provisions for monitoring, shall be submitted to the Waste Planning Authority for approval in writing. The approved measures shall be implemented and maintained throughout the period the development is in use.

Reason: To prevent pollution of the water environment.

(5) There shall be no discharge of foul or contaminated drainage from the site into either ground water or surface waters, whether direct or via soakaways.

Reason: To prevent pollution of the water environment.

(6) All areas where waste is stored, processed, handled or transferred must be underlain by an impervious hardstanding with dedicated drainage to a foul sewer or seal;ed tanks for disposal at a suitably licensed facility.

Reason: To prevent pollution of the water environment.

(7) Any facilities for the storage of oils, fuels or chemicals shall be sited on impervious bases and surrounded by impervious bund walls. The bund capacity shall give 110% of the total volume for single and hydraulically linked tanks. If there is multiple tankage, the bund capacity shall be 110% of the largest tank or 25% of the total capacity of all tanks, whichever is the greater. All filling points, vents, gauges and sight glasses and overflow pipes shall be located within the bund. There shall be no outlet connecting the bund to any drain, sewer or watercourse or discharging onto the ground. Associated pipework shall be located above ground where possible and protected from accidental damage.

Reason: To prevent pollution of the water environment.

(8) The surface water drainage works shall be maintained as approved.

Reason: To prevent the increased risk of flooding by ensuring the provision of a satisfactory means of surface water drainage.

Hours of Working

(9) All work related to the demolition, construction and site preparation shall take place between the hours of 0800 and 1800 Monday to Friday and 0800 and 1300 on Saturday and at no time on Sunday or bank holidays, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Waste Planning Authority.

Reason: To protect the amenities of local residents during construction.

(10) No lorries shall enter or leave the site except between the hours of 0630 and 2200 Monday to Friday and between 0630 and 2000 on Saturday. No lorries shall enter or leave the site on Sunday or bank holidays (except Sundays preceding or following each bank holiday as required by the Waste Collection Authority), unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Waste Planning Authority.

Reason: In the interests of local amenity.

(11) No operations or works shall be carried out at the site between 2400 and 0600 hours unless, following the completion of a noise study, the Waste Planning Authority agrees in writing.

Reason: In the interests of local amenity.

Highways

(12) Access to the site shall be via the existing access onto Poles Lane only.

Reason: In the interests of local amenity.

Lighting

(13) The approved lighting scheme shall be implemented unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Waste Planning Authority.

Reason: In the interests of local amenity.

Noise, Dust and Odour

(14) The approved measures to control noise, dust and odour shall be implemented and maintained throughout the period the development is in use.

Reason: In the interests of local amenity.

APPENDIX 2

Annexe to Reasons for Conditions

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

(General Procedure) Order 1995 - as amended)

__________________________________________________________________

Hampshire Minerals and Waste Core Strategy DPD 2007

Policy DC3 - Impact on Landscape and Townscape

Minerals and waste development will only be permitted if due regard is given to the likely visual impact of the proposed development and its impact on, and the need to maintain and enhance, the distinctive character of the landscape or townscape. If necessary, additional design, landscaping, planting and screening, including planting in advance of the commencement of the development, should be proposed.

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 DC13 - Waste Management and Recycling

Waste management developments (excluding landfill) will be permitted provided that the site:

a. Is identified as a site, or within an area suitable for waste management uses, in the Hampshire Waste Management Plan, or

b. Re-uses/redevelops previously developed land and/or redundant agricultural and forestry buildings (including their curtilages), or

c. Is within a planned area of large-scale development, or

d. Is on employment land, preferably co-located with complementary activities, and

e. Has good access to, the minerals and waste lorry route as shown on the Key Diagram, and where possible, the site enables the use of waterborne and rail freight, and

f. In the case of recovery and treatment sites, incoming waste shall be subject to pre-treatment, either on or off site to maximise the potential for recycling, and where technically possible, energy will be generated and used and the by-products, including heat, will be reused or recycled, and

g. In the case of sites providing public access, the site shall be accessible for use by disabled people.