Further public hearing dates for Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan

Tuesday, 05 March 2013

Hampshire's Minerals and Waste Plan has reached the next stage towards adoption, with the independent Planning Inspector confirming that the Public Hearing will be resumed in Winchester for two days on 13-14 March 2013.

Following scrutiny of the draft Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan at the public examination hearings held in June 2012, the recommendations for changes to ensure the draft Plan is 'sound' (which means it is positively prepared, justified, effective and consistent with national policy) were published, with people having until 17 December 2012 to comment on the changes. This will form the focus for the resumption of the Public Hearing.

Councillor Mel Kendal, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Environment and Transport at Hampshire County Council, commented: "The Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan will play a fundamental role in protecting Hampshire's environment and communities over the next 20 years. It will ensure that the local economy is supported by enabling an adequate supply of minerals and sustainably managing Hampshire's waste. Comments received on the proposed changes to the draft Plan were submitted to the independent planning inspector for his consideration and he has concluded that the public hearing should resume, and identified the areas he wishes to be covered.

"The hearing is in public, and therefore anyone can attend and observe the proceedings but only those invited by the Planning Inspector may participate. If the Inspector decides that he has collected all the necessary evidence in March, he will close the hearing and finalise his report which will confirm whether he considers the plan to be a sound document and suitable for the Hampshire authorities to adopt as planning policy. If this is the case it will replace the current policy - the 'Hampshire Minerals and Waste Core Strategy' - and all future planning applications for minerals and waste development will be assessed and determined on the basis of the policies in the Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan. This includes measures to manage and mitigate the impact of development on local communities and the surrounding environment."

Hampshire's draft Plan has been jointly prepared by the five minerals and waste planning authorities in the county, as part of their statutory responsibility for minerals and waste planning. The effects on surrounding areas have also been considered, including regular liaision with the relevant councils and communities.

• More information about the draft Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan and public examination

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