Planning Inspector's public hearing for Hampshire's Minerals and Waste Plan

Thursday, 24 May 2012

Hampshire's draft Mineral and Waste Plan has gone to the next level: independent examination by a government appointed planning inspector - Mr Andrew Freeman - who has announced a series of public hearing dates.

The public hearing will take place at Hampshire County Council's headquarters in Winchester from 6 to 8 June and 11 to 15 June 2012. Although the hearing is open to the public, the only people that are permitted to make a representation to the inspector are those that he has invited to attend and speak.

Determining the draft Plan is 'sound'

The Planning Inspector's role is to determine whether or not the Plan complies with legal requirements and is 'sound', by investigating that it:

• has complied with statutory processes;
• demonstrates that thorough consultation has taken place;
• meets Hampshire's need for mineral and waste development ;
• is based on a solid and clear evidence;
• has been positively prepared
• can be implemented and;
• is consistent with national policy.

Report of findings

It is possible matters will arise during the hearing such that the inspector will require the minerals and waste planning authorities to make some changes to the draft Plan i.e. a main modification. If this is necessary, any modification(s) would be advertised for comment, after the hearing. The inspector will then prepare a report on his findings based on the examination of the plan and any new issues raised at the hearing and the comments received on any suggested changes. If the inspector concludes that the draft Plan is 'sound', the planning authorities will then decide whether or not to adopt it.

Plan will support economy and protect the environment

The draft Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan has been prepared to help shape the county's future by protecting its environment, maintaining its communities and ensuring that Hampshire's economy is supported. It has been prepared, jointly, by Hampshire's minerals and waste planning authorities, who have a statutory duty to prepare plans for minerals and waste development. The draft Plan considers the effects of minerals and waste on surrounding areas too, and Hampshire officers have been in communication with the relevant councils.

Hampshire's draft Plan has been prepared using technical evidence and the results of public consultations carried out over a number of years. The draft Plan, if adopted, will form the framework for assessing any future planning applications until 2030. Any land identified in the draft Plan would be released only if planning applications satisfy the stringent environmental and other tests set out by the adopted Minerals and Waste Plan. This includes measures to manage and mitigate the impact of development on the local communities and surrounding environment, not only in Hampshire but on neighbouring areas.

More information about the public hearings, together with a copy of the draft Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan and supporting documents, is available online at: dHMWP

Hampshire's five mineral and waste planning authorities are:

• Hampshire County Council
• Portsmouth City Council
• Southampton City Council
• New Forest National Park Authority
• South Downs National Park Authority

• Documents and information relating to the hearings

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