Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Decision Report

1. Executive Summary

1.1. Planning permission is sought to form a noise attenuation bund along the northern boundary of the M3 motorway at Priory Farm, Andwell Lane, Andwell, Basingstoke.

1.2. A previous application (Application number BDB/68299) was refused at Regulatory Committee on 25 June 2008 for two reasons:

(i) the proposal was contrary to Policy DC14 of the Hampshire Minerals and Waste Core Strategy 2007 in that it is not a site identified for landfill use; and

(ii) the proposal was contrary to Policy DC3 of the Hampshire Minerals and Waste Core Strategy 2007 and Policies E1(ii) and E6 of the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Adopted Local Plan 1996 - 2011 (July 2006) in that it would have an unacceptable visual impact by introducing an intrusive and artificial feature into the landscape, and the noise attenuation would be insignificant and insufficient to outweigh the landscape impact.

1.3. This application seeks to address these issues, by modifying the profile of the bund and changing some of the planting details.

1.4. Despite these alterations, the main issues of the application remain the same. Whilst the revised plans for the bund show some improvement in the treatment of the landscaping, there is still the concern that the overall visual impact of the feature in the landscape is unacceptable.

1.5. Also, there is no change in the justification for the project, as there is no increase in noise reduction. When considering the merits of the proposal, the noise attenuation offered is still viewed as insignificant and insufficient to outweigh any landscape impact.

1.6. The creation of the landform itself would be an alien feature, with no over-riding need proven and as such the proposal is in conflict with Policy DC14 as it is not a site identified for landfill use, and the proposal is contrary to Policy DC3 (Impact on Landscape and Townscape).

2. Site and proposal

2.1. The proposal is for a noise attenuation bund formed of inert subsoil to run along the northern boundary of the M3 motorway at Priory Farm, Andwell Lane, Andwell. The nearest properties are Priory Farm Cottages, approximately 170 metres north of the site.

2.2. The bund will measure approximately 230 metres in length, 70 metres in width and five metres in height. The northern slope, being a gradient of 1 in 12, will be restored to agriculture and made available for horses; reinstating the current use. The southern side, being a 1 in 5 slope, will be 1.5 metres from the motorway fence.

2.3. There will be a fence and planting at the four metre wide crest. Shrubs and trees will also be planted on the upper slopes of the north side, leaving the lower areas for grass. The planting will curve round the corners of the mound and blend into the east and west adjoining land. The profile and planting of the bund allows for wildflower grassland and an open woodland on the edges of the bund. The planting will be managed under a five year scheme.

2.4. The works are to take approximately 51 non-consecutive working days. Approximately 35,700 tonnes of material will be brought onto site via 20 tonne tipper Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), at an average of 35 lorry deliveries per day. The HGVs will enter and leave the site from the south, using the A30 and Greywell Road.

3. Development plan

3.1. The proposal is contrary to Policy DC14 (a) (Landfill) and Policy DC3 (Impact on Landscape and Townscape) of Hampshire Minerals and Waste Core Strategy DPD 2007.

3.2. The proposal is contrary to and E1 (ii) and E6 (Landscape Character) in the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Adopted Local Plan 1996-2011 (Adopted July 2006).

4. Consultations

4.1. The Local Member, Councillor Mrs Still comments that as long as it can be proven the proposed bund does not move the (noise) problem on to another area where others are disadvantaged, then I am happy for it to go forward.

4.2. Environment Agency has no objection subject to a site survey and mud control conditions.

4.3. Highway Authority has no objection subject to conditions for suitable access treatment, measures to prevent mud on the highway network with tarmac surfaced haul road provision and to a legal agreement to ensure an appropriate HGV route.

4.4. Highways Agency has no objection subject to conditions to ensure adequate engineering design of the southern slope.

4.5. Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council raises objection on the grounds of adverse visual impact as the proposal is an intrusive and artificial feature and that the provision of adequate sight lines would entail the unacceptable loss of trees and hedgerows (Local Policies E1 (ii) and E6).

4.6. Environmental Health Officer has raised objection as the noise reduction is not deemed significant.

4.7. Mapledurwell and Up Nateley Parish Council has no objection subject to prevention of mud onto Andwell Lane, minimal nuisance during construction and proof that noise in neighbouring villages will not be exacerbated by the development.

4.8. Odiham Airfield has no objections.

5. Representations

5.1. There has been one letter, showing support for the proposal subject to no adverse impact occurring elsewhere as a result of the bund.

6. Commentary

6.1. The justification for the building of the bund has been given as noise attenuation for the residents living in Andwell Lane, to the north of the motorway. However, upon examination the suggested benefit would only result in a two decibel (dB) reduction in noise at these properties. This is a marginal difference which the Environmental Health Officer does not consider significant. Therefore, there is no justification to override Policy DC14 (a), which only allows for a waste operation in an area of land identified as suitable for waste disposal.

6.2. Although the scheme has been amended since the original submission, it is still not considered acceptable in principle or detail. The overall structure of the bund is judged as intrusive and an artificial feature, despite attempts to blend it into the surrounding landscape. The land surrounding the site is flat and of a lower level than that of the motorway and Andwell Lane. In addition the scale of the bund is large as it would cover approximately 16,000 m² of agricultural land, therefore these earthworks would look unnatural and intrusive, so contrary to Policy DC3 (Landscape Impact).

6.3 Moreover, although there is no objection from the Highways Authority, the Authority has advised a condition that would require alterations to the site access and sight lines. It is anticipated that these sight lines would entail the unacceptable loss of trees and hedgerows. This further adds to the adverse impact on the landscape that is not justified by the marginal benefits offered by the bund.

6.4 In summary, whilst the efforts to enhance the landscaping of the bund and the precedent of bunds as a prominent feature along the Basingstoke stretch of the M3 are noted, there is no overriding need or significant benefit proven. Accordingly, the proposal is in conflict with Policy DC14 (site identified for landfill use), and the proposal is contrary to Policy DC3 (Impact on Landscape and Townscape).

7. Recommendations

7.1. That planning permission for the construction of a noise bund at land adjoining M3 Motorway at Andwell Lane, Andwell, Basingstoke, be refused for the following reasons:

7.2 The proposal is contrary to Policy DC14 of the Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton Minerals and Waste Core Strategy (2007) in that it is not a site identified for landfill use.

7.3 The proposal is contrary to Policy DC3 of the Hampshire Portsmouth and Southampton Minerals and Waste Core Strategy (2007) in that it would have an unacceptable visual impact by introducing an intrusive and artificial feature into the landscape, and the noise attenuation would be insignificant and insufficient to outweigh the landscape impact.

Links to the Corporate Strategy

Annexe to Reasons for Refusal

(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 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.