HMWP Schedule of Main Modifications

[1.4] The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)¹ requires that Plans are reviewed at least every five years. The Hampshire Minerals & Waste Plan (2013) was reviewed in 2018 but was found to not require an update at that time. However, a number of issues were kept under review and a further review was undertaken in 2020². The 2020 Review concluded that parts of the Plan needed to be updated to reflect changes in policy and to address issues with mineral and waste management provision. This Proposed Submission Plan replaces the Hampshire Minerals & Waste Plan in its entirety, which was adopted in 2013 and takes into account issues identified through the Reviews, with particular regard to:

• new planning policy that requires biodiversity net gain from all developments;
• a greater focus on planning for climate change;
• a stronger application of the waste hierarchy and application of the circular economy; and
• enabling a steady and adequate supply of aggregates.

[2.26] The following Plan Objectives outline how the Vision will be achieved. Over the next 20 years By 2040, the planning of minerals and waste development will help meet Hampshire’s present and future needs by protecting the environment, maintaining community quality of life and supporting the economy and will:

[…]

• Enable a circular economy by prioritising a reduction in waste arisings and hazardous content of waste, that to ensures that Hampshire continues to prosper whilst reducing its emissions.

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• Secure proposals and their restoration schemes that improve health and well-being.
• and aAchieve a net gain in biodiversity (BNG) of at least 10% above the pre-worked baseline, having regard to strategic ecological networks.

Replace key diagram with new diagram:

• Add allocated sites to Key Diagram
• Delete ‘AONBs’ and replace with National Landscapes
• Add reference to relevant policies e.g. Oil and Gas Sites (Policy 24) etc

Policy 1: Sustainable minerals and waste development

1. The Hampshire Authorities will take a positive approach to minerals and waste development that reflects the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
2. The policies in this Plan are to be regarded as a whole and proposals will be expected to conform to all relevant policies in the Plan. Conformity will be demonstrated through information submitted with planning applications, including any relevant assessments. Minerals and waste development that accords with policies in this Plan will be approved without delay unless material considerations indicate otherwise.
3. Where there are no development plan policies relevant to the proposal or the relevant policies are out of date at the time of making the decision, the Hampshire Authorities will determine planning applications in line with the presumption in favour of sustainable development in line with the latest NPPF grant permission unless other material considerations indicate otherwise.:
   • Any adverse impacts of granting planning permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in the NPPF taken as a whole; or
   • Specific policies in that Framework indicate that development should be refused.

[3.2] The Hampshire Authorities will always work proactively with minerals and waste applicants to find solutions which mean that proposals can be approved wherever possible, and to secure development that improves the economic, social and environmental conditions in the Plan area.

[new para] Planning applications should be submitted in accordance with national and local Validation Guidance which should be used, along with the requirements of the Plan, to determine what assessments will be required. Relevant assessments will be required to determine the economic, social and environmental impacts and to demonstrate how proposals meet the requirements of the Plan. Any impacts and mitigation measures identified will be considered in the determination of planning applications and will inform any necessary planning conditions or planning obligations. Careful consideration will be given to the issues raised by key stakeholders including local communities to ensure that concerns are suitably addressed in decision-making.

[3.3] Development management will be the main, but not the only, means by which the Plan will deliver sustainable minerals and waste development in Hampshire. Planning applications should be submitted in accordance with Validation Guidance36 which should be used to determine what assessments will be required. The approach to development management will be focused on problem solving and seeking quality outcomes. The Plan is largely delivered through the determination of minerals and waste planning applications and through the implementation of policies in this Plan.

[…]

[3.6] Policy 1 (Sustainable minerals and waste development) indicates that, where the Plan is silent or the relevant policies are out of date, the Hampshire Authorities will grant permission, unless material considerations indicate otherwise (including taking into account whether there are specific policies in the NPPF that indicate that development should be restricted). This may include those policies relating to:

• sites protected under the Habitats Regulations38 and/or sites designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest;
• land designated as National Park, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) National Landscape, Heritage Coast, Green Belt and/or Local Green Space;
• […]

[3.11] Hampshire County Council is not a Charging Authority and therefore cannot operate CIL itself. However, minerals or waste development dealt with by the County Council (as Minerals and Waste Planning Authority) may still be liable to pay CIL charges according to the rates set by the relevant district, or borough, unitary or national park authority council where CIL charging schedules have been adopted. The Levelling Up and Infrastructure Act41 replaces CIL and Section 106 agreements with a new Infrastructure Levy. The HMWP Plan will implement any relevant changes should they be brought forward through legislation.

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[3.14] Minerals and waste proposals to extend existing sites will only be supported where past operator performance of the existing operations has been adequately demonstrated at the time the application is submitted. This would include where issues have been raised about the environmental or amenity impacts of a site, particularly where there is evidence to demonstrate these impacts. In such cases, these issues and evidence of impacts would be taken into account in decision-making. There may be circumstances where there are overriding environmental, and amenity impacts which may outweigh the need for further development in an existing location or if cumulative impacts with other previous, existing or proposed sites are considered to be excessive. Sections 4. ‘Protecting Hampshire’s Environment’ and 5. ‘Maintaining Hampshire’s Communities’ consider these issues in more detail alongside other policies within the pPlan.

[4.6] 45 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 1538 (DLUHC, 2023)

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Policy 2: Climate change – mitigation and adaptation

1. Minerals and waste development will be supported where it enables the transition to carbon neutrality by 2050 at the latest by:
   1. contributing towards mitigating the causes of climate change by:
      1. Being located and designed to encourage the sustainable use of resources; and
      2. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, where possible; and
      3. Facilitating low carbon technologies; and
   2. reducing vulnerability and providing resilience to the impacts of climate change through location and design and the incorporation of adaptation measures.
2. Minerals and waste development proposals must be supported by a Climate Change Assessment which demonstrates through a Climate Change Assessment how:
   1. they will contribute to the transition to carbon neutrality having regard to 1a and 1b; and.
   2. This should include how climate change adaptation and mitigation measures and opportunities have been identified, considered, and (where appropriate) incorporated.

[4.8] Minerals and waste proposals will need to demonstrate in their Climate Change Assessments how the development will reduce its carbon emissions over time and enable the transition to carbon neutrality by 2050. This will need to be proportional to the scale of carbon emissions the development is likely to cause. Therefore, energy developments such as oil and gas or energy from waste will have to provide a significant justification taking into account the life of the development (see ‘Oil and gas development’ and ‘Energy recovery development’ for more detail). Furthermore, in considering the impacts of the proposal, the carbon footprint of the total site and its operations must be taken into account (including the role of soils – see Policy 9 (Protection of soils)). Minerals and waste development can also provide opportunities to mitigate and adapt to the inevitable effects of climate change. These opportunities should be explored as part of the Climate Change Assessment (see ‘Implementation and Monitoring Plan’) and may include:

[…]

• the potential for carbon capture, including ensuring facilities are capable of retrofitting carbon capture technology in the future, in particular in terms of available adjacent land;

[…]

• more sustainable use of resources, through seeking a reduction of resources used (i.e. waste prevention) and the use of recycled and secondary aggregates in construction and support for a circular economy;

[…]

[4.9] Where development has a life span up to 2050, tThe Climate Change Assessment should demonstrate how the proposal will help meet the Climate Change Act target. The Hampshire Authorities will expect that any proposals will also adhere to any relevant Government guidance issued to support this process. In doing so, it is recognised that some proposals will go on for a significant period beyond the Plan period.

[4.10] In this context, resilience means capacity for the environment to respond to such changes by resisting damage caused by climate change and, where damage does occur, recovering quickly. This can be achieved by maintaining a robust and varied network of natural environments which will allow natural processes to change and adapt without costly intervention. This will be supported through strategic scale coherent ecological networks such as those identified in the Local Nature Recovery Strategy which will include a local habitat map and a statement of biodiversity priorities, giving consideration to how the development will interact with environmental assets, and create and enhance linkages in and across Hampshire as well as neighbouring Authorities.

[4.15] 48 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 17581 (DLUHC, 2023)

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[4.19] Nationally important designated sites and species in the Plan area include:

• Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs);
• National Nature Reserves (NNRs);
• Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) (where they correspond with SSSIs);
• Species of animal and plant listed in the schedules of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) (as amended), section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006), International Union for Conservation of Nature Red lists and the Badger Act 1992;
• Ancient Woodland;
• Core Statutory ecological network sites and,
• Nature Improvement Areas.

[…]

[4.22] Hampshire and its nNeighbouring Authorities also include other sites, habitats, and species of local interest which are extremely important in maintaining a high level of biodiversity. These include (within the Plan area):

• Local wildlife sites, known within the Plan area as either Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) or County Wildlife Sites (CWS) – identified locally and given regard under national policy;
• Habitats and species listed that are legally protected or otherwise notable within Hampshire or and given regard by the Hampshire Authorities' Biodiversity Action Plans including;
  • Species or habitats with national or county rarity and scarce status;
  • LNRS Priority Species;
• Local Nature Reserves; and
• Core non-statutory ecological network sites.

[4.23] These sites, habitats, and species form networks that support a robust and healthy natural environment and are recognised by local designations or by national policy. These are often essential in meeting regional and local biodiversity priorities and objectives. As a priority, such habitats should be maintained and included within the design of development unless it is deemed those measures, such as mitigation or compensation are suitable, biodiversity net gain is achieved. Where relevant, consideration should be given to any local strategies or management plans for the area, such as Forest Plans, and local targets for biodiversity.

[…]

[4.25] Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is an approach to development that leaves biodiversity in a measurably better state than beforehand. This means protecting existing habitats and ensuring that lost or degraded habitats are compensated for by enhancing or creating habitats that are of greater value to wildlife and people. Though the NPPF requires all development to deliver a net gain in biodiversity, T the Environment Act49 will introduce introduced mandatory 10% biodiversity net gain for most new development, including new infrastructure, in England. This is due to become became a requirement in late 2023 spring 2024 for development under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. BNG will requires planning applicants to observe the mitigation hierarchy and, where applicable, deliver at least 10% gain in biodiversity above the current baseline and is which has to be maintained for a period of at least 30 years.

[…]

[4.27] Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) have also been introduced by the Environment Act. This new mandatory England-wide system of spatial strategies will establish priorities and map proposals for specific actions to drive nature’s recovery and wider environmental benefits. They are designed as tools to drive more coordinated, practical, and focussed action to help nature. LNRS will contribute support delivery of mandatory BNG to establishing a national Nature Recovery Network which aims to achieve a significant increase in biodiversity (and meet Environmental Improvement Plan targets) and provide a focus for a strengthened duty on all public authorities to conserve and enhance biodiversity which are also has been being introduced by the Act. The LNRS will also guide decision-making on BNG.

[4.28] Hampshire County Council has been appointed ‘responsible authority’ for the Hampshire LNRS by Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and therefore is currently preparing the Strategy for the Plan area. The County Council is engaging with its ‘supporting authorities’, landowners and managers, communities and other stakeholders (including agencies/responsible authorities in neighbouring counties) to develop the strategy which, following publication, will be subject to regular review and republishing.

Policy 3: Protection of habitats and species

1. Minerals and waste development that will contribute can demonstrate a high-quality, well-designed contribution to the conservation, restoration, and enhancement of Priority Habitats, ecological networks, and the protection and recovery of legally protected and priority or locally notable species biodiversity will be supported. through the securing of at least 10% measurable net gain in biodiversity value will be permitted.
2. Development which is likely to have a significant adverse impact upon such sites, habitats and species will only be permitted where it is judged, in proportion to their relative importance, that the merits of the development outweigh any likely environmental damage. Appropriate mitigation and compensation measures will be required where development would cause harm to biodiversity interests.
3. Development will not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated through a Habitats Regulations Assessment that impacts to the integrity of the National Sites Network and Ramsar sites either alone or in combination with other development, can be avoided or adequately mitigated, other than in all the following exceptional circumstances:
   1. There are no suitable alternatives to the location, scope or scale of the development;
   2. There are Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest; and
   3. Adequate compensation measures can be secured which ensure that the overall coherence of the National Sites Network is protected.
4. Development that is likely to result in a significant effect, either alone or in combination, on the following designated sites: Special Protection Areas, Special Areas of Conservation, Ramsar sites; sites identified, or required, as compensatory measures for adverse effects on such sites; and European Protected Species, will need to satisfy the requirements of the Habitats Regulations.
5. Development must demonstrate through adequate survey and assessment that harmful impacts to species protected under the Habitat Regulations can be avoided, or that legal tests afforded to them can be met. Development should demonstrate that mitigation or compensation required to ensure favourable conservation status can be secured prior to harmful impacts arising.
6. The following sites, habitats, and species will be protected in Hampshire and in neighbouring areas, where there is a potential for impact, in accordance with the level of their relative importance:
   1. nationally designated sites including Sites of Special Scientific Interest and National Nature Reserves, nationally protected species;
   2. irreplaceable habitats (such as Ancient Woodland and ancient or veteran trees);
   3. local interest sites including Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation, County Wildlife Sites and Local Nature Reserves;
   4. habitats and species listed in Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006, or as a Hampshire Notable species species that are legally protected or otherwise notable within Hampshire;
   5. Habitats and species identified in Hampshire Authorities’ Biodiversity Action Plans or Biodiversity Opportunity Areas;
   6. Features of the landscape that are mapped as within the Local Nature Recovery Strategy Network, or function as ‘stepping stones’, linear features or form part of a wider network of features by virtue of a coherent ecological structure or function (such as river basins), or importance in the migration, dispersal and genetic exchange of wild species;.

   Ecological evidence must demonstrate that harmful impacts to habitats and species 4 a-e can be avoided, or where necessary, provide appropriate mitigation in accordance with the mitigation hierarchy. Any required compensation should be able to be secured prior to harmful impacts arising.

7. All minerals and waste development should result in a measurable biodiversity net gain and enhancement. Where applicable, at least 10% measurable net gain in biodiversity value will be required, which must be designed to support the delivery of the LNRS and other identified biodiversity networks. Enhancements for wildlife will be sought where appropriate from all scales of development.

[4.29] In a small number of instances, minerals and waste development may result in significant impacts on biodiversity, both directly and indirectly, including through habitat fragmentation, hydrological changes, physical disturbance of important species, and air and water pollution or there may be a loss of habitat which cannot be avoided or mitigated. In these instances, compensatory habitats will need to be guaranteed secured in advance of harmful impacts arising to ensure that there is no overall net loss, extent, quality, connectivity or ecological function of habitats or the species which rely on these habitats. Where these habitats form part of a wider network, the compensatory habitats that are provided should be the same high quality or better habitat of the same type. These should be located either within or close to the proposed development to ensure maximum local benefit from these protections. If significant harm cannot be avoided, mitigated against, or adequately compensated for, planning permission will be refused if the need for the development does not outweigh the biodiversity interests at the site. Compensatory habitats will need to be considered as part of the restoration of a site. Compensation measures with respect to the National Sites Network and Ramsar sites, and decision making with respect to impacts to these sites, must be considered through the Habitat Regulations Assessment process. Further detail on Habitat Regulation Assessment is set out in ‘Appendix C: Implementation and Monitoring Plan’.

[4.30] The Hampshire Authorities will take a consistent approach to its application of the Biodiversity Metric in ensuring Bbiodiversity Nnet Ggain through minerals and waste development. It is recognised that many quarry restoration developments already achieve a significant exceedance of statutory 10% BNG. As such, the Hampshire Authorities will expect operators to engage at an early pre-application stage to determine if statutory BNG is applicable and what level of BNG can be achieved, which in appropriate circumstances may provide the opportunity for provision of additional biodiversity units that can be traded as off-site BNG for other developments. Consideration should also be given to t The early delivery of biodiversity enhancements prior to development taking place is encouraged to ensure there is no overall net loss, extent, quality, connectivity or ecological function of habitats. Relevant guidance should be applied, where available, particularly in relation to minerals development and the application of the Metric. The restoration of quarries and waste developments is considered in more detail in the section on 'Restoration of minerals and waste developments'.

[4.31] Impacts can be both positive and negative as well as being short, medium, or long-term, all of which are important in the consideration of the overall impact of a development. For example, minerals development may have a short-term negative impact as the mineral is extracted. On the other hand, it may have a positive impact in the long-term through providing a restoration scheme that makes a positive contribution to overall biodiversity, and local landscape strategies such as Forest Plans. Development should be located or, where necessary, designed to avoid impacts on protected species, habitats, and sites. In addition, the design and restoration of sites may give opportunities for the protection of species and the creation or enhancement of habitats or the species which rely on these habitats, particularly where these can be linked to climate resilience. Habitats and species should be maintained and included within the design of development unless it is deemed those other measures such as mitigation or compensation are suitable. This is considered in more detail in the section on 'Design, construction and operation of minerals and waste development'.

[4.32] It is important that decisions concerning minerals and waste development should consider all potential impacts (including in combination, impacts with other plans, programmes, or projects) on habitats and species both within and outside Hampshire and measures should be taken to avoid, mitigate, or compensate any impacts identified. Consideration should be given to the resilience of habitat features and protected species to future climate scenarios as well as River Basin Management Plans and relevant policies in the South Marine Plan, where relevant. Reference should also be made to Mitigation Strategies prepared by Local Planning Authorities dealing with recreational displacement, such as the Solent Recreation Mitigation Strategy.

[4.33] 52 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 17480 (c) (DLUHC, 2023)

[4.34] The term “nationally protected landscapes” refers collectively to National Parks and National Landscapes (formerly referred to as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs)). National planning policy gives great weight 'to conserving and enhancing landscape and scenic beauty in National Parks, the Broads and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty which have the highest status of protection in relation to these issues’52.

53 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 176 182 (DLUHC, 2023)

[4.35] The New Forest and South Downs National Parks are the most recent National Parks to receive designation in England. The three National Landscapes AONBs in the Plan area are Chichester Harbour, Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs and the North Wessex Downs, Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs, and National LandscapesAONBs53. Together, these nationally protected landscapes cover nearly 40% of the Plan area.

[4.36] As set out in The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CRoW) 2000, as amended by Section 245 of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act (LURA) 2023, requires all relevant authorities (including statutory undertakers, decision makers and other public bodies) mustto seek to further the Ppurposes of the National Parks and National Landscapes, respectively. The Government also places a corresponding social and economic Duty upon National Park Authorities themselves to be considered when delivering the two Purposes. The Purposes and Duty are:

• Purpose 1 - To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area; and
• Purpose 2 - To promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Parks by the public; and
• Duty: To seek to foster the social and economic wellbeing of the local communities within the National Park in pursuit of the above purposes.

[4.37] If there is a conflict between the above, then Purpose 1 takes precedence as per the Sandford Principle54. The primary purposes of National Park designation are:

• Purpose 1: To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area.
• Purpose 2: To promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Parks by the public.

If there is a conflict between the two purposes, then the first takes precedence as per the Sandford Principle54. In pursuit of these purposes, the Government has also placed a corresponding duty upon National Park Authorities to seek to foster the economic and social wellbeing of the local communities within the National Park.

[4.38] The primary purpose of AONB National Landscape designation is to conserveing and enhanceing the natural beauty of the area. AONBs also have two secondary aims: meeting the need for quiet enjoyment of the countryside and having regard for the interests of those who live and work there.

[4.39] The statutory purposes of nationally protected landscapes will be upheld when considering minerals and waste developments. In addition, the findings and proposals of the Glover Review55 will be to be taken into account when assessing minerals and waste developments and their potential for impact in, and their potential for impact on, National Parks and National Landscapes AONBs.

55 Landscape Review (DEFRA, 2019): https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/833726/landscapes-review-final-report.pdf

Policy 4: Nationally protected landscapes

1. Minerals and waste development within National Parks and National Landscapes should be limited in scale and extent and must have regard to the relevant Management Plan, whilst development within their settings should be sensitively located and designed to avoid or minimise adverse impacts on the National Park or National Landscape.
2. Major minerals and waste development will not be permitted in the New Forest National Parks, South Downs National Park, Chichester Harbour AONB and National Landscapes, Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs AONB or North Wessex Downs AONB, other than in exceptional circumstances, and where it can be demonstrated that the development is in the public interest. In this respect, an Major Development Assessment will be required giving consideration to:
   1. the need for the development, including in terms of any national considerations;
   2. the impact of permitting it, or refusing it, upon the local economy;
   3. the cost of, and scope for, developing outside the National Park or National Landscape AONB, or meeting the need for it in some other way; and
   4. any detrimental effect on the environment, the landscape and recreational opportunities, and the extent to which that could be moderated.
3. If exceptional circumstances and public interest are sufficiently demonstrated, then development must be carried out in accordance with any proposed moderation measures identified in the Major Development Assessment. This must include a comprehensive landscape mitigation and enhancement scheme to ensure that the development is able to successfully integrate within the landscape and its surroundings. The landscape scheme shall be proportionate to the scale and nature of the development proposed and incorporate opportunities for recovery.
4. Minerals and waste development should protect, and where appropriate, enhance the landscape character and special qualities of the National Parks and National Landscapes AONBs. This may includes, but is not limited to, natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage, tranquillity, and dark skies.
5. In terms of small-scale waste management facilities for local needsX, these should not be precluded from the National Parks and National Landscapes AONBs, provided that they can be accommodated without undermining the objectives of the National Park or National Landscape AONB.

X Small and localised waste management facilities are defined as those seeking to meet a localised need over a particular settlement area, whilst larger-scale facilities generally provide benefits to the whole Plan Area. A small and localised waste management facility can complement larger-scale facilities by providing local solutions for collecting, sorting, bulking, transferring, and treating waste.

[4.40] Minerals can only be worked where they are found. In Hampshire, some of the most important minerals (such as oil and gas and soft sand) are found in nationally protected landscapes. Accordingly, major minerals and waste development (as referenced in Policy 4 (2 and 3)) in these areas will be rigorously examined and should only take place when it can be sufficiently demonstrated that there are exceptional circumstances and where it can be demonstrated that the need for the development outweighs is in the public interest. If sufficiently demonstrated, the scale and extent of development should be limited to what can be successfully integrated within the landscape and deliver opportunities for the recovery of landscape character.

[4.41] All minerals and waste applications are development is defined by the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) Order 20150 as ‘major development’. This includes Ssmall-scale waste management facilities, although these facilities may include those that are not be considered strategic for the purpose of (see Policy 26 (Safeguarding – waste infrastructure)).

[4.42] Notwithstanding the above, and for the purposes of this policy only, development proposals In nationally protected landscapes – and when implementing Policy 4 (2 and 3) - it will need to be assessed to determined whether they development would constitute “major development” for the purposes of Paragraph 183177 and footnote 64 of the 2023 NPPF. This will include considerations in relation to the character, nature, scale, and setting of development, and whether development could have a potential significant adverse impact on the purposes for which the National Park or National Landscape AONB has been designated or defined. In terms of a National Park, this relates to its natural beauty, wildlife, cultural heritage, and recreational opportunities; and for a National Landscape an AONB, this relates to its natural beauty (including wildlife and cultural heritage), distinctive character, and remote and tranquil nature. The potential for significant impacts on the National Parks and National Landscapes AONBs will be dependent on the individual characteristics of each case and should be clearly addressed in the Major Development Assessment – see ‘Appendix C Implementation and Monitoring Plan.

[4.44] Development proposals in nationally protected landscapes are may also be defined as being within the countryside, and so Policy 5 (Protection of the countryside and valued landscapes) will need to be considered in conjunction with Policy 4, as appropriate.

[4.45] The landscape outside the defined settlement boundaries is defined as countryside, and those areas of countryside which are not protected by national landscape designations can also be locally important and highly valued59, i.e. Areas of Special Landscape Quality. Although “valued landscapes” are not defined by national policy, the value of a landscape can be determined through the considerations of landscape quality (condition), scenic quality, rarity, representativeness, conservation interests, recreational value, role in separating / protecting the identity of individual settlements, and perceptual aspects and associations60. Please note, “vValued landscapes” can also be identified within nationally protected landscapes. For local designations, the valued attributes may not be called ‘special qualities’ and are more likely to be found within landscape studies which form part of a local plan evidence base or within a local plan.

59 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 17480 (a) (DLUHC, 2023)

60 as defined by Box 5.1. page 84 of GLVIA 3rd Ed 2013. Box 5.1 is not intended to be an exhaustive list of factors that determine valued landscapes. Updated (2021) Landscape Institute guidance clarifies this: tgn-02-21-assessing-landscape-value-outside-national￾designations.pdf

[4.46] It is important that development proposals within the countryside respect the distinctive qualities of local landscape character types and areas. As with Policy 4 (Nationally protected landscapes), consideration must be given to relevant NCAs and their profiles and any local LCAs which have been prepared by LPAs and other relevant bodies in and adjacent to Hampshire. These have been complemented by the Hampshire Integrated Character Assessment which provides a strategic overview. National policy states that the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside should be recognised, alongside the wider benefits from natural capital and ecosystems61.

61 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 17480 (b) (DLUHC, 2023)

[…]

Policy 5: Protection of the countryside and valued landscapes

1. Minerals and waste development in the countryside or valued landscapes will not be permitted unless:
   1. it is a time-limited mineral extraction or related development; or
   2. the nature of the development is related to countryside activities, meets local needs or requires a countryside or isolated location; or
   3. the development provides a suitable reuse of previously developed land, or the reuse of redundant farm or forestry buildings and their curtilages or hard standings.

   In the instance that Criterion (1) is met, minerals and waste developments will also need to meet Criteria (2) and (3) below as appropriate and applicable.

2. Where appropriate and applicable, minerals and waste development in the countryside or valued landscapes will be expected, through a Landscape and Visual Impacts Assessment, to demonstrate how the development:
   1. respects the qualities of the landscape as set out in National and Local Landscape Character Assessments;
   2. demonstrate that they would not result in will not have significant adverse impacts on landscape and visual amenity;
   3. ensure any public rights of way are impacts the Public Access network including any important views and protectsed and, where possible, enhancesd public rights of way including any important views.; and
   4. be subject to a requirement that it is restored in the event it is no longer required for minerals or waste use.
3. Minerals and waste development which is considered to be within a valued landscape shall only be permitted where they the proposal meets the above criteria, and where it protects and where possible, enhances the landscape with particular regard to:
   1. The intrinsic landscape character and quality;
   2. The visual setting (including key views);
   3. The landscape’s role in natural capital and ecological networks;
   4. The local character and setting of built development (including historical heritage significance); and
   5. Natural landscape features (including ancient woodland, trees, hedgerows, and water courses etc).
4. As part of the above Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, development proposals must include a comprehensive landscape mitigation and enhancement scheme to ensure that development is able to successfully integrate with the landscape and its surroundings. The landscape scheme shall be proportionate to the scale and nature of the development proposed and incorporate opportunities for recovery.

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[4.53] Public rights of way, common land, and access land can significantly contribute to the well￾being of society and provide significant access to nature and to the countryside. Where minerals or waste developments are located close to or would directly impact a statutory public right of way footpath network, measures should be put in place to protect or and enhance the network. Where diversions are necessary, to ameliorate visual and environmental disbenefits, the route (for a temporary or permanent period, as appropriate) should provide mitigation for potential adverse effects (for example, planted buffer strips). This includes adopted public footpaths, bridleways and cycle routes, common land and access land.

[4.54] Where minerals and waste sites are located close to, or would directly impact upon, a permissive footpath the use of this route for public access should be considered as part of any planning application together with proportionate mitigation measures. Permissive footpaths do not carry the same weight as adopted definitive public rights of way.

[…]

[4.57] Specific consideration will also be given to accessible and historic landscapes including:

• parks and gardens open to the public, country parks, National Trust or English Heritage land and properties, Woodland Trust or Forestry Commission woodland, rights of ways, access land and common land; and
• heritage assets and their settings, such as rRegistered pParks and gGardens, assets on the Hampshire Gardens Trust register, Listed Buildings and Scheduled Monuments.

[4.61] 66 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 1505 (DLUHC, 2023)

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Policy 6: South West Hampshire Green Belt

1. Within the South West Hampshire Green Belt, minerals and waste developments will be carefully assessed for their effect on the objectives and purposes for which the designation has been made. High priority will be given to preservation of the openness of the Green Belt. Proposals will be approved provided that they are not inappropriate or that very special circumstances existconsidered inappropriate unless an exception noted in the NPPF applies.
2. As far as possible, minerals and waste developments should enhance the beneficial use of the Green Belt. The highest standards of development, operation and restoration of minerals or waste development will be required.

[…]

[4.64] 68 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 14954 (g) (DLUHC, 2023)

[4.64] 69 National Planning Policy Framework Para. 1505 (DLUHC, 2023)

[4.74] 71 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 18995 (DLUHC, 2023)

Policy 7: Conserving the historic environment and heritage assets

1. Minerals and waste development will be required to protect, conserve and, wherever possible, enhance Hampshire’s historic environment, and the character, setting and special interest of heritage assets, both designated and non-designated.
2. Heritage assets will be protected in a manner appropriate to their significance, including:
   1. scheduled monuments;
   2. listed buildings;
   3. conservation areas;
   4. registered parks and gardens;
   5. registered battlefields;
   6. sites of archaeological importance;
   7. other locally recognised assets.
3. Proposals should be supported by an assessment of the significance of heritage assets that may be affected including their setting, both present and predicted, and the impact of development on them. Where appropriate, this should be informed by the results of technical studies, field evaluation and other evidence. For mineral proposals this should establish the potential for archaeological remains within the overburden and the mineral body itself.
4. Evidence and results of archaeological excavation, field evaluations, technical studies and other recordings should be made publicly accessible (including depositing the results in a public archive and Historic Environment Record).

Designated heritage assets

5. When considering the impact of a proposed development on the significance of a designated heritage asset, great weight is given to the asset’s conservation (and the more important the asset, the greater the weight should be).
6. Proposals that would cause substantial harm to, or loss of, a designated heritage asset and its significance including its setting, will be required to set out a clear and convincing justification as to why that harm is considered acceptable on the basis of achieving substantial public benefits that outweigh that harm or loss, or where all the specific circumstances in the NPPF apply. Proposals will not be supported where this cannot be demonstrated.
7. Proposals that cause less than substantial harm to the significance of a designated heritage asset will be required to weigh the level of harm against the public benefits that may be gained by the proposal including securing its optimum viable use.
8. When there is clear and convincing justification that the public benefits of development outweigh the harm to, or loss of, a designated heritage asset and its significance including its setting, mitigation of that harm, should be secured.

Non-designated heritage assets

9. Proposals which would affect the significance of a non-designated heritage asset will be required to set out the significance of the asset and the scale of the direct and indirect effects upon the that significance of the non-designated heritage asset, enabling a balanced judgement to be made.
10. Non-designated heritage assets of archaeological interest, which are demonstrably of equivalent significance to scheduled monuments, will be considered subject to policies for designated heritage assets.

[…]

[4.76] There may be previously unidentified archaeological deposits and features present in proposed minerals and waste sites. Further archaeological investigations will be required in areas of interest prior to development. Heritage issues that need to be considered may require prior investigation (including pre-determination evaluation fieldwork) and mitigation measures before and during development, including methods of working and/or the design of the scheme, which take these into account. Minerals or waste developments will be considered on their merits, assessing the suitability of the proposal, taking into account any suggested mitigation measures, including the potential benefits of mineral development for archaeology (such as through the preservation of identified remains).

[…]

[4.79] The restoration of quarries and waste developments can be used to improve accessibility to the historic environment but can also assist in maintaining or improving the setting of heritage assets (such as a scheduled monument, listed building or designed landscape). This may include circumstances where the setting requires repairing historic landscape character. Also, restoration schemes may include further work linked with the interpretation of finds from archaeological investigations, improved access to historic sites, and / or publicising the results of archaeological investigations. This is considered in more detail in the section on 'Restoration of minerals and waste developments'.

Policy 8: Water management

1. Minerals and waste development will be permitted where it can be demonstrated proposals do not:
   1. result in the deterioration of the physical state, water quality or ecological status of any water resource and waterbody including rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, groundwater source protection zones and groundwater aquifers; and
   2. cause significant adverse risk impact to the quantity and quality of water resources; and
   3. cause changes to groundwater and surface water levels which would result in unacceptable adverse impacts on water quantity and quality on:
      1. adjoining land;
      2. nearby private and licensed abstractions;
      3. potential groundwater resources; or
      4. the potential yield of groundwater resources, river flows; or
      5. natural habitats; and
   4. fail to comply with nutrient neutrality requirements, where relevant.
2. A Water Framework Directive screening assessment will be required in all cases where there is the potential for impacts on groundwater bodies and surface water bodies.
3. Where proposals are in a groundwater source protection zone, a3. A Hydrogeological/Hydrological Risk Assessment must be provided to determine whether there is a hazard to water resources, quality or abstractors. If the Hydrogeological/Hydrological Risk Assessment identifies unacceptable risk a hazard, the developer must provide appropriate mitigation.

[…]

[4.88] Proposals within the Bedhampton Springs to Havant Karstic Zone, as defined by the Source Protection Zone 1 and 1C, will need to undertake specific assessment in relation to water quality and infiltration due to the risks associated with karstic features. This should be undertaken in consultation with Portsmouth Water and the Environment Agency. Consideration will also need to be given to achieving nutrient neutrality where relevant minerals and waste development proposals are located within catchments identified by Natural England, as these may disturb and mobilise nutrients locked within the soil or add to nutrient levels through construction and operational processes. Therefore, development should ensure that impacts of nutrients on designated sites are assessed and avoided/mitigated where appropriate (see Policy 3 (Protecting habitats and species) and section ‘Liquid waste and waste-water management’).

[4.92] 75 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 17480 (b) (DLUHC, 2023)

[…]

Policy 9: Protection of soils

1. Minerals and waste development should protect, manage, and use soils to achieve improvements to biodiversity, contribute towards adaptation to or mitigation of, climate change and should not result in the net loss of best and most versatile agricultural land.
2. Minerals and waste development should ensure determine the risk to soils through the preparation of a Soil Management Plan and, where relevant, an Agricultural Land Assessment which considers the lifespan of the development. tThe protection of soils, through will require appropriate mitigation measures, from unacceptable risk, prioritising the reuse and, when appropriate, enhancement of existing soils.

[…]

[4.96] Protection and management of soils canwill also have a key role in the restoration of habitats removed or disturbed during development. Mitigation shouldmust aim to minimise soil disturbance and to retain as many ecosystem services as possible through careful soil management during the construction process and appropriate soil re-use. Careful consideration of the soil profile (including the substrate), the reuse of existing soils, and the potential use of waste products such as silt or clay, particularly where heathland creation is proposed, is critical to successful delivery of restoration objectives (see Policy 10 (Restoration of minerals and waste developments)). Further detail is set out in ‘Appendix C: Implementation and Monitoring Plan’.

[4.98] 79 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 2106 (h) (DLUHC, 2023)

[4.100] 80 Hampshire Restoration Study Topic Paper

[4.101] 81 Hampshire Restoration Study Topic Paper

[…]

Policy 10: Restoration of minerals and waste developments

Temporary minerals and waste development should be restored to beneficial after-uses consistent with the development plan.

1. Restoration of minerals and waste developments will be supported, where a restoration scheme can demonstrate all the following should be in keeping with:
   1. consideration of the ecological, historic, and landscape character and setting of the local area;
   2. and should how the proposal contributes to the delivery of local objectives and, where relevant, strategic priorities for habitats and species, and biodiversity networks, including Local Nature Recovery Strategies;
   3. how opportunities to deliver local objectives for heritage, or community use where these are consistent with the development plan can be achieved;
   4. climate change adaptation or mitigation;
   5. how sites will be phased through the life of the development, where relevant; and
   6. the appropriate mechanism for securing the implementation of the scheme.

Opportunities for adapting to or mitigating the impacts of climate change through restoration are supported.

The restoration of mineral extraction and landfill sites should be phased throughout the life of the development.

[4.103] Restoration, aftercare and after-use will usually seek to assure that the land is restored to a level of quality at least equivalent to that which it was prior to development commencing. Restoration schemes should provide for:

• Net environmental gain through the enhancement of the quality, connectivity, and character of the landscape, local environment or the setting of historic assets to the benefit of the local or wider community; and
• Measures to achieve biodiversity net gain in line with national planning policy, in accordance with relevant legislation, policy, and guidance, and which is for the avoidance of doubt over and above those measures designed to mitigate or compensate for negative effects will be required by a planning application, whatever the proposed after-use of the site; and
• Opportunities for recovery as set out in the relevant Local Nature Recovery Strategyies.

[4.104] The restoration of mineral extraction and landfill sites should, alongside the provision of net gains for biodiversity (considered in more detail under Policy 3 (Protection of habitats and species)), include at least one of the following aims subject to its financial viability and the suitability and deliverability of the site to incorporate restoration aims:

• improved public access to the natural environment through the creation of enhanced access as well as leisure and amenity opportunities. This may include the creation of green spaces (such as parks, woods, etc), improvements to the Public Rights of Way Highway network, including provision of additional footways and cycle routes, provision of sites for other recreational uses and the provision of environmental education facilities;

• creation of habitats for wildlife and enhanced biodiversity to improve the natural environment, improve biodiversity and habitat connectivity and deliver biodiversity gains to degraded habitats, or help reverse the breakdown of habitats and deliver biodiversity gains to help reverse habitat degradation, as appropriate, taking into account the need for climate resilience measures. These may include consideration of:
  • relevant Local Nature Recovery Strategies;
  • the provision of green infrastructure;
  • designated site conservation objectives;
  • Nature Improvement Areas (NIAs);
  • Biodiversity Opportunity Areas (BOAs and Ecological Network sites); and
  • any other local biodiversity targets linked to ongoing management;
• contribute to relevant local objectives such as for:
  • National Park and National Landscape Management Plans;
  • Forest Plans;
  • Recreation Management Strategies; and
  • Species Conservation Strategies.

[4.105] Opportunities for the multiple use of restored sites and cross-cutting benefits will be supported, where the multiple uses do not conflict or reduce the effectiveness of other uses, especially those required to meet legal obligations (such as restoring a site to improve biodiversity whilst simultaneously providing recreational use for the public).

[…]

[4.108] In a small number of instances, minerals and waste development may result in significant impacts on habitats or there may be a loss of habitat which cannot be avoided or mitigated. In these instances, the provision of new areas of like-for-like habitats as compensatory habitats will be required to ensure that there is no overall net loss of habitats. These should be located either within or close to the proposed development. If significant harm cannot be avoided, mitigated against, or adequately compensated for, planning permission could be refused if the needs for the development do not outweigh the biodiversity interests at the site. The creation and long-term management (aftercare) of compensatory habitats developed as a result of minerals or waste developments will need to be considered as part of the restoration and aftercare schemes for minerals and waste developments, as appropriate. Specific consideration is required on the ability to re-create habitats, and this is an important consideration which must be addressed during the formation of restoration and aftercare schemes. For example, ancient woodland cannot be re￾created and there is a presumption against its loss, and habitats such as heathland which are difficult to create and manage long-term. Provision of compensatory habitats is also considered in the section on 'Habitats and species'.

[4.109] Where minerals or landfill sites are located close to or affect a public right of way network, restoration of minerals and waste sites will need to ensure their protection and take opportunities to enhance the network. This is considered in the section on 'Landscape and countryside'. Consideration should also be given to providing alternative space for recreational and where displacement may impact designated sites (see Policy 3 (Protection of habitats and species) and 4 (Protection of the designated landscapeNationally protected landscapes)).

[…]

[4.116] It is necessary to manage restored sites for a period of ‘aftercare’. This is to maintain and improve the structure and stability of the soil and to provide for vegetation, helping to ensure a beneficial after use. The length of the aftercare period will normally be at least five years and will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis, depending on the restoration and after uses agreed for a site. A longer aftercare period may need to be negotiated depending on the nature of the development. In some instances, restored sites require long-term management to maintain them and to ensure that restoration gains such as nature conservation and amenity are maximised. Long-term management is expected to be a minimum of 30 years to align with BNG requirements and will usually commence post aftercare. Long-term management plans will usually be managed by other environmental organisations such as the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. There are already examples of former minerals sites which have been restored and managed through long term management plans in Hampshire. It is important that long-term funding and management schemes are secured and established, as required, to ensure that the aftercare of sites is achieved and sustainable in the longer term. Appropriate mechanisms will be required to secure restoration and aftercare. Funding of restoration schemes should principally be addressed by planning conditions, where necessary. Financial guarantees should only be required in exceptional circumstances especially where an operator pays into an established mutual funding scheme, such as the Mineral Products Association Restoration Guarantee Fund or the British Aggregates Association Restoration Guarantee Fund.

[5.13] 85 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 18591 (DLUHC, 2023)

Policy 11: Protecting public health, safety, amenity and well-being

1. Minerals and waste development will be supported where it can be demonstrated, through a proportionate Health Impact Assessment, that the proposal does should not cause significant adverse impacts on public health, safety, amenity and well-being. taking into consideration:

   Minerals and waste development should not:

   1. release of emissions to the atmosphere, land, or water (above appropriate standards);
   2. have an significant adverse impact on human health or well-being;
   3. b. cause significant adverse noise, dust, lighting, vibration or odour;
   4. c. have a significant adverse impact on air quality;
   5. d. have a significant adverse visual impact;
   6. e. potentially to endanger aircraft from bird strike and structures;
   7. f. cause a significant adverse impact on public safety safeguarding zones;
   8. g. cause a significant adverse impact on:
      1. tip and quarry slope stability; or
      2. differential settlement of quarry backfill and landfill; or
      3. subsidence and migration of contaminants;
   9. h. cause a significant adverse impact on coastal, surface, or and groundwaters;
   10. i. cause a significant adverse impact on public strategic infrastructure;
   11. j. cause a significant adverse impact on the public highway Public Access network, including the public rights of way network;
   12. k. cause an significant adverse cumulative impact arising from the interactions between minerals and waste developments, and between mineral, waste and other existing forms of development.;
   13. l. opportunities for enhancing health, safety, amenity and well-being including multi-functional benefits.

All mineral proposals and, where relevant, waste proposals will need a Health Impact Assessment.

Opportunities for enhancing health, safety, amenity and well-being are encouraged including multi-functional benefits.

[5.14] Many of the criteria under Policy 11 (Protecting public health, safety, amenity and well￾being) will be fulfilled by minerals and waste operators adopting appropriate management systems such as International Standards Organisation controls and other operational controls. Environmental assessments will identify where adverse impacts may occur and how these should be minimised. Appropriate standards for the control of emissions and protecting water resources are also set by other agencies such as the Environment Agency as part of their responsibility for protecting and improving the environment and as the regulatory body for issuing Environmental Permits, as well as local environment health officers at district and borough councils. Often these standards are based on national legislation, policy and guidance, and minerals and waste development should meet these standards. There may be circumstances where public health, safety and amenity matters are covered by the site’s Environmental Permit. Water quality is considered in more detail under Policy 8 (Water resources).

[5.15] The Environment Act 2021 seeks to improve local air quality and guidance on Local Air Quality Management is being updated86. Transport related air quality issues are addressed under Policy 13 (Managing Traffic). However, non-transport related emissions can also reduce air quality which can impact human health and ecosystems. This can include mobile machinery and generators but also processes such as anaerobic digestion (AD). Ammonia emissions can be released from the process and digestate of AD and these should be controlled. Transport related noise issues are also addressed under Policy 13 (Managing Traffic).

[5.16] The screening of sites and other mitigation measures are often required to ensure an acceptable degree of potential impact of minerals and waste developments on the habitats, landscape, townscape and local communities and the views therefrom. Judgement on the severity of impact will be taken by the planning officer and will be informed by the relevant Environmental Assessment. In the case of landscape and visual impact, these will require an assessment in line with the Landscape Institute's GLVIA (3rd edition and recent updates).

[…]

[5.18] All mineral proposals will need to be accompanied by a Health Impact Assessment (HIA). Waste proposals that need to include a HIA will be determined on a case-by-case basis, but it is expected that all developments handling bio-wastes (including landfill and composting) and generating energy from waste will require a HIA. The Assessment should be proportional to the proposal, its scale and likely impacts, and consider both potential and perceived health risks (such as silicosis).

[5.30] 94 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 1628 (DLUHC, 2023)

[…]

Policy 12: Flood risk and prevention

[5.41] 97 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 1104 (DLUHC, 2023)

[5.42] Safety of all road and public rights toof way users including pedestrians, cyclists, and horse-riders is an issue of paramount importance. National Highways is responsible for considering assessments of the transport impacts of minerals or waste development on its Strategic Road Network. Potential and perceived impact of transportation on amenity may also include vibration, visual intrusion and air quality. These issues are also covered in the section on 'Protecting public health, safety, amenity and well-being'.

Policy 13: Managing traffic

1. Minerals and waste development should have a safe and suitable access to the highway network and where possible minimise the impact of its generated traffic on communities and the environment through the use of alternative methods of transportation such as sea, rail, inland waterways, conveyors, pipelines and the use of reverse logistics. Use of low emission/more sustainable fuels should be used as suitable options become available. A Transport Assessment or Statement will be required (as appropriate) to demonstrate consider:
   1. the acceptability of routeing to the site – showing which routes have been considered and evidencing which have been selected/rejected and why; and the impact(s) on the surrounding highway network in relation to capacity, demand and safety, with consideration of committed developments and cumulative impact;
   2. road and the safety of all users of the Public Highway network public rights of way safety and use of the highway network for all users, following relevant national guidance and standards, and technical guidance notes; and
   3. seeking opportunities to enhance the existing network for sustainable modes by having regard to relevant local plans and strategies considering transport plans such as Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans;
   4. any increase in traffic through an Air Quality Management Area, or similar;
   5. sustainable accessibility;
   6. appropriate hours of working including assessing the impact at different times of the day, in different seasons, taking account level of daylight;
   7. mitigation as appropriate including consideration of safety for all road users, highway capacity and amenity.; and
2. If required by the Planning Authority, applications would also be expected to be accompanied by an Environmental Statement which would include details of demonstrate the site’s impact on noise, air quality, and severance and appropriate mitigation.

[5.43] Where the source of waste for a facility may arise from a range of geographic locations, the impact of developing a network of smaller facilities, rather than one larger central facility, should be assessed with respect to the likely transport impacts of both options on congestion, emissions, communities, and sites of historic or ecological and landscape importance. It is also important that potential cross-boundary impacts and cumulative impacts of minerals and waste development with other local developments are considered. Mitigation should be reviewed through a Transport Assessment or Statement. The decision as to whether a Transport Assessment or Statement is required will be determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the size and nature of the application and its anticipated impact on the highway. Relevant Local Plans and strategies that should be considered, may include (but are not limited to):

• Local Transport Plans.
• Bus Service Improvement Plans.
• Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans.
• Local area strategies and plans.
• School Travel Plans.

[…]

[5.45] All minerals and waste development should give the greatest consideration to potential highway and transportation impacts that may be associated with their development. Planning conditions and legal agreements can be used to control and/or manage highway impacts. This may include conditions on hours of working and restrictions on the number of lorry movements or legal agreements for highway improvement works. For example, where the traffic impacts of the development itself or in combination with other local developments are severe but can be made acceptable through traffic management measures, or highway or other improvements undertaken or funded by the developer. Other measures may include improving the existing sustainable transport infrastructure e.g. through providing a field edge walking and cycling routes through the site during or after its use. The funding for such improvements may be secured by section 106 agreement97. This is explained in more detail in Section 3. 'Sustainable minerals and waste development'. Alternatively, the improvements may be secured through planning condition or obligation and carried out by the developer under a section 278 agreement98.

[5.46] Minerals and waste development and associated traffic movements can give rise to air pollutants that adversely impact human health and sensitive environmental receptors. This can include sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon particulates (e.g. PM10). HGV traffic can extend these air quality impacts significantly beyond development sites and into adjacent local authority areas. Local authorities review and assess air quality on a regular basis99, against a set of Air Quality Objectives (AQOs)100. Local authorities are required to declare as Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs)101 where AQOs are exceeded. Hampshire and adjacent authorities have AQMAs delineated for parts of their areas for which Air Quality Action Plans (AQAP) have been prepared. AQAPs are often integrated with Local Transport Plans (LTP). AQMAs will need to be considered when making any decisions on routeing agreements.

[New Para.] Environmental Assessments will include details on both air quality and noise, where relevant (including the presence of Air Quality Management Areas and Noise Important Areas). Non-transport related air quality and noise impacts are addressed under Policy 11 (Protecting public health, safety, amenity and well-being).

[5.49] National planning policy states that the ‘creation of high-quality, sustainable buildings and places is fundamental to what the planning and development process should achieve’ and that ‘good design is a key aspect of sustainable104. All minerals and waste developments in Hampshire should be of the highest quality design, be inclusive and be appropriate to the type and scale of the development.

105 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 12631 (DLUHC, 2023)

Policy 14: High-quality design of minerals and waste development

1. Minerals and waste development should be designed to not cause a significant adverse visual impact and should maintain and enhance the distinctive character of the landscape and townscape.
2. The design of appropriate built facilities for minerals and waste development should be of a high-quality, contribute to achieving sustainable development and provide climate change mitigation and adaption measures.

[…]

[5.53] In order to demonstrate that the key design and operation principles are met, all minerals and waste developments should:

• be appropriate in design, scale, and character in relation to its location, the surrounding area (including features of special interest such as designated heritage assets) and any stated objectives for the future of the area. This should include any planned new development or regeneration and take account of any relevant design codes and existing site constraints such as utilities;
• seek to ensure proposals respect local landscape character and minimise potential impacts on visual amenity. This is considered in more detail in Section 4 ‘Protecting Hampshire's Landscape and Countryside’;

[…]

• seek to minimise the disposal of waste arisings and maximise recovery and recycling of waste where appropriate as well as reducing the need for transport. Failing this, construction, demolition and excavation waste should be managed sustainably and in line with current and appropriate building codes;

[…]

[5.54] Where minerals and waste development results in recreational displacement or similar environmental effects are considered to be an issue, minimising the area being worked will be a key consideration of the principles of design. Areas of alternative green space may be required. Proposals may need to minimise the area being developed as part of the design due to risk of potential impact in that location or because the development results in recreational displacement, which may require areas of alternative green space to be identified. Recreational displacement is a consideration of the Habitats Regulations Assessment which is addressed in more detail in Policy 3 (Protection of Habitats and Species).

[5.55] The aims and objectives of location Local Nature Recovery Strategies and Nature Improvement Areas (NIAs) should, where appropriate, be progressed through the whole-life design of minerals and waste development. Opportunities for delivering ecological networks and public access and enlarging or enhancing existing wildlife sites should be considered within these areas.

[5.56] Opportunities for generating renewable energy, recycling the heat, energy, and water consumed as part of the operation of the development and the use of recycled materials to construct minerals and waste development should also be maximised, where appropriate, in the design of new minerals and waste facilities. If excess heat is produced, this should, if possible, be used within a local heating scheme, within industrial manufacturing or by agricultural processes nearby.

[6.14] 106 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 2139 (DLUHC, 2023)
107 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 2106 (c) (DLUHC, 2023)

Policy 15: Safeguarding - mineral resources

Hampshire’s sand and gravel (sharp sand and gravel and soft sand), silica sand, and brick-making clay resources are safeguarded against needless sterilisation by non-minerals development, unless ‘prior extraction’ takes place.

Safeguarded mineral resources are defined by a Mineral Safeguarding Area illustrated on the Policies Map.

Development without the prior extraction of mineral resources in the Mineral Safeguarding Area may be permitted if it can be demonstrated in a Mineral Resource Assessment that the following has been considered and met where relevant:

1. it can be demonstrated that the sterilisation of mineral resources will not occur or has been minimised as much as possible; or
2. it would be inappropriate to extract mineral resources at that location, with regards to the other policies in the Plan; or
3. the development would not pose a serious hindrance to mineral development in the vicinity; or
4. alternatives have been considered in order to avoid sterilisation;
5. the merits of the development outweigh the safeguarding of the mineral.

[6.15] The key safeguarded mineral resources in Hampshire are sharp sand and gravel, soft sand and silica sand. Hampshire also has resources of clay, some of which plays an important role in supplying the local brickworks at Michelmersh. Therefore, these resources are also safeguarded. The MSA covering these resources is based on local knowledge and information published by the British Geological Survey (BGS)108 and other data and information available to the Hampshire Authorities. The identification of the MSA includes all existing sand and gravel and brick-making clay workings in Hampshire. More detailed guidance on what minerals and how to implement the policy is contained within the Minerals & Waste Safeguarding in Hampshire SPD (2016)109. It aims to improve how Hampshire Authorities work with other local authorities, developers and other interested parties on this issue. Non-mineral development proposed within the MSA will require a Mineral Resource Assessment which has regard to the SPD and that demonstrates that points a to e outlined in Policy 15 have been addressed. The Mineral Planning Authority will make a judgement as to whether non-minerals development can be supported without prior extraction subject to the information provided.

[…]

[6.18] 110 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 2106 (c) (DLUHC, 2023)

[6.21] Soft sand resources in east Hampshire have been extracted for a number of years. These resources may have the potential for silica sand. There are known viable resources of soft sand (with the potential for silica sand) which have not previously been extracted, located in the Whitehill & Bordon Green Town113. The resources in this location are therefore subject to known development pressure and will be protected from permanent sterilisation unless any non-minerals development proposal can satisfy the relevant criteria (a) to (d) in Policy 15 (Safeguarding – mineral resources).

[6.22] 114 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 2106 (e) (DLUHC, 2023)

Policy 16: Safeguarding – minerals infrastructure

Infrastructure that supports the supply of minerals is safeguarded against development that would unnecessarily sterilise the infrastructure or prejudice or its current or future use, throughput and/or capacity.

A redevelopment of all or part of a safeguarded site to non-mineral use will only be supported where it can be demonstrated:

1. the infrastructure is no longer needed (as confirmed by the relevant Mineral Planning Authority); or
2. the capacity of the infrastructure can is relocated or reprovided within the Plan area elsewhere. In such instances, alternative capacity must: should:
   1. meet the provision of the Plan, that this alternative capacity is deliverable; and
   2. be at least equal to the proposed loss, unless a decrease has been supported by the relevant Mineral Planning Authority (as per criterion a), and must be delivered in advance of redevelopment of all or part of the existing site; and
   3. be appropriately and sustainably located; and
   4. conform to the relevant environmental and community protection policies in this Plan; or
3. the proposed development is part of a wider programme of reinvestment in the delivery of enhanced capacity for minerals supply.

Where a non-mineral development is within proximity to a safeguarded site, it will provide appropriate mitigation measures to ensure there are no significant adverse effects on minimise the effects of the mineral sites on its occupiers. If, after applying the ‘agent of change principle’, there still remains some risk of constraint to the current or future mineral operations at the safeguarded site, the development will only be supported if the merits of the development clearly outweigh the effect on the safeguarded site. This mitigation must be completed prior to occupation of the site for any purpose.

Minerals sites with temporary permissions for minerals supply activities are safeguarded for the life of the permission.

The infrastructure safeguarded by this policy is illustrated on the Policies Map and identified in 'Appendix B - List of safeguarded minerals and waste sites'.

[…]

[6.25] Following the adoption of the Plan, the safeguarded list will be updated through the monitoring of the Plan, as set out in the Section 7. 'Implementation, Monitoring and Plan Review' and 'Appendix C - Implementation and Monitoring Plan' and the latest version will be available onlineX.

X Current safeguarded site list - https://www.hants.gov.uk/landplanningandenvironment/strategic-planning/sites-in-hampshire

[6.26] 117 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 2106 (e) (DLUHC, 2023)

[6.27] 118 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 2106 (e) (DLUHC, 2023)

[6.31] 121 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 2139 (DLUHC, 2023)

[…]

Table 6.1

Correction of Land-won: Soft sand – 2019 figure: 0.230.32

Amended Asterisks next to ‘Land-won: Soft sand’*

Additional Asterisk next to ‘Land won: Sub-total’**

Additional Asterisk next to ‘Rail & Sea: Imports: Crushed rock’***

Addition of footnote:

• * The soft sand figures include reserves recorded for Kingsley and Frith End quarries which include a proportion considered to be silica sand.
• ** Figures may contain rounding
• *** Figures exclude imports of hard rock by road.

Source: AM2022 Survey (SEEAWP, 2023)

[…]

When the Plan was prepared, the ‘apportionment’ figure of 1.56mtpa was based on an average figure of 10-years land-won aggregate sales. Sales during this period (2001-2010) peaked in 2001 at 2.29mtpa of land-won aggregate but then showed a steady decline. During 2013-2022, land-won aggregates sales peaked in 2018 at 1.18mtpa and have declined since. This period included the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on sales, when many sites temporarily paused operations.

[…]

Policy 17: Aggregate supply – capacity and source

A steady and adequate supply of aggregates will be provided for Hampshire and surrounding areas from local sand and gravel sites at a rate of at least 0.90mtpa, of which at least 0.16mtpa will be soft sand until 2040.

[…]

[6.38] Policy 17 (Aggregate supply - capacity and source) could help to ensure a minimum supply of aggregates of 5.7mtpa. This accounts for approximately 36% above average sales, production and landings of 3.65mtpa over the last 10 years127. The extra provision gives Hampshire’s aggregate supply significant resilience in the event of failure from any one aggregate source or from any unexpected increase change in aggregate demand. It also enables a diversity of supply, which is essential to meeting the national planning policy requirements of a steady and adequate supply128 and includes a realistic level of land-won sand and gravel provision, accounting for approximately 16% of total aggregate supply. It is judged that supply from all aggregate sources is robust. The matter of delivery is addressed in the sections on 'Recycled and secondary aggregates', 'Aggregate wharves and rail depots' and 'Local land-won extraction (sand & gravel)'.

128 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 2139 (DLUHC, 2023)

[…]

Table 6.2

• Imports (tonnes) – Total: 1,062,000,000
• Export (tonnes) – Total: 396,000,000
• Net balance (tonnes) – Total: +666,000,000

[…]

[6.40] Although unlikely, it is possible that demand for local land-won aggregate could increase above the requirement set out in Policy 17 (Aggregate supply - capacity and source) of 1.15 0.90mtpa.

[…]

[6.43] Hampshire has historically received the majority of its limestone imports by rail from Somerset. This trend is expected to continue throughout the Plan period as there is no evidence currently that there will be a shortage of limestone resources from Somerset138 as the main rail-linked Somerset quarries have permitted reserves that are expected to last beyond the end of the Plan period and currently capacity well exceeds current throughput. However, it is recognised that within the Plan period the current permissions of one crushed rock site in Somerset with rail access will expire. Whatley Quarry has a permission end date of 31 December 2030 and Torr Works permission expires 31 December 2040139.

[6.47] Recycled and secondary aggregates play an important role in ensuring a balanced supply of aggregate for Hampshire. Recycled and secondary aggregate can be produced when construction, demolition and excavation wastes, spent railway ballast or Incinerator Bottom Ash (IBA) are recycled. They can also be mixed with other minerals and wastes, usually after some form of processing such as screening, washing or blending to form new products. Recycled and secondary aggregates provide an opportunity to recycle and recover inert wastes as well as providing a viable alternative to the extraction and use of land-won or marine-won aggregates, sometimes avoiding some of the potential impacts of land-won extraction on the local environment and communities. However, it is acknowledged that recycled and secondary aggregates cannot fully remove the need for marine and land-won aggregates and cannot be used as a substitute for soft-sand. It is expected that waste produced by construction, demolition, and excavation will have been minimised at every step of the process; and that then there is maximisation of the recovery of waste and the production of high-quality recycled and secondary aggregates.

[…]

[6.49] 141 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 2106 (b) (DLUHC, 2023)

Policy 18: Recycled and secondary aggregates development

Recycled and secondary aggregate production will be supported by encouraging investment and further infrastructure to maximise the availability of alternatives to marine-won and local land-won sand and gravel extraction.

Development capacity will be supported to deliver the requirements of Policy 17 (Aggregate supply – capacity and source) and to maximise the recovery of construction, demolition and excavation waste and to encourage production of high-quality recycled/secondary aggregates.

A minimum capacity will be maintained of at least 1.8Mtpa to support production.

Policy 19: Aggregate wharves and rail depots

The capacity at existing aggregate wharves and rail depots will where possible and appropriate be maximised and investment in infrastructure and /or the extension of suitable wharf and rail depot sites will be supported to ensure that there is sufficient capacity for the importation of marine-won sand and gravel and other aggregates to deliver the requirements of Policy 17 (Aggregate supply – capacity and source).

1. Existing wharf and rail depot aggregate capacity is located at the following sites:
   1. Leamouth Wharf, Southampton (Aggregates wharf)
   2. Kendalls Wharf, Portsmouth (Aggregates wharf)
   3. Marchwood Wharf, Marchwood (Aggregates wharf)
   4. Bedhampton Wharf, Havant (Aggregates wharf)
   5. Burnley Wharf, Southampton (Aggregates wharf)
   6. King George V Dock, Southampton (Aggregates wharf)
   7. Beavois Valley Rail Depot, Southampton (Aggregate rail depot)
   8. Botley Rail Depot, Botley (Aggregates rail depot)
   9. Eastleigh Rail Depots, Eastleigh (Aggregates rail depot)
   10. Fareham Rail Depot, Fareham (Aggregates rail depot)
   11. Holybourne Rail Depot, Holybourne (Aggregates rail depot)
2. The following site is proposed for use as an rail aggregate rail depots provided the proposals addresses the development considerations outlined in 'Appendix A - Site allocations' at:
   1. Andover rail depot, Andover (Rail depot) (Inset Map 1) – 300,000 tonnes

   The rail depot proposal is illustrated on the 'Policies Map'.

3. New wharf and rail depot proposals will be supported if the proposal represents sustainable development. New developments will be expected to where it can be demonstrated:
   1. have there is a connection to the road network; and
   2. have there is a connection to the rail network or access to water of sufficient depth to accommodate the vessels likely to be used in the trades to be served; and
   3. demonstratethe development, in line with the other policies in this Plan, that they do being undertaken will not pose unacceptable harm have a significant adverse impact on to the environment and local communities.

[6.57] The rail depot site allocation identified within the Plan includes development considerations. These are set out in 'Appendix A - Site allocations'. The development considerations along with the other relevant policies of the Plan should be addressed at the planning application stage. The site identified for could be developed at any time within the Plan period, depending on market conditions. Applicants will be required to submit planning applications to the relevant Hampshire Authority for consideration before any development takes place unless the development is permitted under the General Permitted Development Order. In the event that a planning application is submitted for the development of the rail depot site identified within the Plan, the site will be subject to further assessment of cumulative impacts as well as other environmental and amenity criteria. The depot at Holybourne and the allocation at Andover are multi-functional and therefore, it is proposed that the site will operate as a rail depot for aggregate but also other forms of freight. Their function as a rail depot may also be time limited to support a specific development proposal.

[6.58] The delivery requirements for supply, as set out in Policy 17 (Aggregate supply – capacity and source) will be met by Hampshire's existing wharf and rail depot capacity, as identified in Policy 19 (Aggregate wharves and rail depots). The sites covered by this policy are identified in ‘Appendix B – List of safeguarded minerals and waste sites.’

[…]

[6.66] As already indicated in the section on 'Aggregate supply', there is currently no evidence that over the Plan period there will be a shortage of limestone resources from Somerset150 as the main rail-linked Somerset quarries have permitted reserves that are expected to last beyond the end of the Plan period and capacity well exceeds current throughput.

[6.70] 151 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 2139 (DLUHC, 2023)

[6.70] 152 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 2106 (DLUHC, 2023)

[…]

[6.73] 156 2022 Local Aggregate Assessment (2021) (2023) Table 9 Table 3

[…]

Policy 20: Local land-won aggregates

An adequate and A steady and adequate supply of locally extracted sand and gravel will be provided to deliver the requirements of Policy 17 (Aggregate supply – capacity and source) by and maintaining a landbank of permitted sand and gravel reserves sufficient for at least seven years from:

1. the extraction of remaining reserves at the following permitted sites:
   1. Bramshill Quarry, Bramshill (sharp sand and gravel)
   2. Mortimer Quarry, Mortimer West End (sharp sand and gravel)
   3. Badminston Farm (Fawley) Quarry, Fawley (sharp sand and gravel)
   4. Bleak Hill Quarry (Hamer Warren), Harbridge (sharp sand and gravel)
   5. Downton Manor Farm Quarry, Milford on Sea (sharp sand and gravel)
   6. Blashford Quarry (including Plumley Wood / Nea Farm), near Ringwood (sharp sand and gravel / soft sand)
   7. Roke Manor Quarry, Shootash (sharp sand and gravel)
   8. Frith End Sand Quarry, Sleaford (soft sand)
   9. Kingsley Quarry, Kingsley (soft sand)
   10. Roeshot, Christchurch (sharp sand and gravel)
   11. Forest Lodge Home Farm, Hythe (soft sand / sharp sand and gravel)
2. the extraction of identified reserves at the following allocated new sand and gravel extraction sites, provided the proposals address the development considerations outlined in 'Appendix A - Site allocations':
   1. Ashley Manor, New Milton (sharp sand and gravel) (Inset Map 2) - 1.75 million tonnes
   2. Hamble Airfield, Hamble-le-Rice (sharp sand and gravel) (Inset Map 3) – 1.750 million tonnes
   3. Midgham Farm, Alderholt (sharp sand and gravel) (Inset Map 4) – 4.2 3.6 million tonnes
   4. Purple Haze, Ringwood Forest (soft sand / sharp sand and gravel) (Inset Map 5) – 4.40 million tonnes
3. opportunities for new soft sand extraction sites in the Preferred Areas, where it can be demonstrated that the development, in line with other policies in this Plan, will not have a significant adverse impact on the environment and local communities.
4. Proposals opportunities for new extraction sites outside in addition to the sites and areas identified above in Policy 20 (including extension of sites identified in Policy 20 (1) will be supported where it can be demonstrated that the site contains viable mineral resources and development, in line with the other policies in this Plan will not have a significant adverse impact on the environment and local communities; and
   1. the development is in line with the other policies in this Plan, the development would not pose unacceptable harm to the environment and local communities; and
   2. the development, monitoring indicates that the sites identified in Policy 20 (1) or (2) are unlikely to be delivered to meet Hampshire’s aggregate supply requirements or the proposal maximises the use of existing plant and infrastructure and available mineral resources at an existing associated quarry; or
   3. the development is for the extraction of minerals prior to a planned development resources prior to a planned development; or
   4. that the benefits of extracting the mineral, including to the economy, provide a justified need. the development is part of a proposal for another beneficial use, or
   5. the development is for a specific local requirement.

The extension and new permitted sites, allocated sites, and Preferred Areas identified above are shown on the 'Policies Map'.

[6.75] Any development at the sites identified in Policy 20 (2Local land-won aggregate) would will be subject to the ‘development considerations’ outlined in 'Appendix A - Site allocations'. The development considerations along with the other relevant policies of the Plan should be addressed at the planning application stage. If and when a planning application is submitted for development at one of the sites identified in the Policy 20 (Local land-won aggregate), as well as a more detailed appraisal of impacts against the policies in this Plan will take place.

[6.76] In 2022, Hampshire’s existing sand and gravel quarries had permitted reserves of 10.588 million tonnes (mt) of sharp sand and gravel and of which 1.167mt of was soft sand. However, it is acknowledged that this reserve figure is a point in time (31st December 2022) and reserves will deplete unless new sites are permitted. The Hampshire Authorities acknowledge that sSilica sand is also extracted at Badminston (Fawley) Quarry, Kingsley Quarry, and Frith End Quarry quarries alongside soft sand, and this is considered in the section on 'Silica Sand'. The new site allocations locations and extensions identified in the Plan Policy 20 (2) are expected to provide an additional total reserve of up to 11.42mt which is expected to last until 2035. The yield figures contained in the policy are only a guide to the likely mineral resources which may be extracted.

[6.77] It is anticipated that the additional sand and gravel reserves identified within the Plan new site allocations will be developed at varying timescales within the Plan period. Reserves from the extension sites are expected to be required as the existing permitted reserves become exhausted. It is anticipated that the sites are likely to be delivered at the following points within the Plan period, subject to planning permission being granted for development:

• Ashley Manor - from 2025+;
• Hamble Airfield - from 20254+;
• Midgham Farm - from 2026+;
• Purple Haze - from 20284+;.
• Ashley Manor - from 2024; and,
• Midgham Farm - from 2026.

[6.78] The exact timings of new sites allocations coming on stream being developed will depend on the market conditions, extraction at other sites in the nearby area and planning permission being granted for the development. The Purple Haze allocation has a potential total yield of 4.4 million tonnes. However, further investigations are required to determine whether the north of the site can be extracted without hydrological impact on the nearby Ebblake bog and/or the Moors River System. These investigations may identify that extraction may need to be limited or possibly excluded in some areas. Therefore, the yield is specified as ‘up to 4.4 million’ but it is acknowledged that this could be less depending on the outcome of the investigations.

[…]

[6.82] As already set out under the supporting text for Policy 17 (Aggregate supply – capacity and source), Hampshire’s aggregate sales will be monitored throughout the Plan period to ensure resource security and 'Appendix C - Implementation and Monitoring Plan' contains aggregate supply triggers on this issue. Monitoring through the Local Aggregate Assessment wouldwill highlight if the sites identified in Policy 20 (2) and (3) (Local land-won aggregates) have not come forward and if there is a requirement for further opportunities for new sand and gravel development extraction sites are required to meet demand.

[6.83] Further opportunities for the extraction of local land-won aggregate have not been identified within the Plan as the Hampshire Authorities considered that there were no other deliverable options sites suitable for allocation at the time of plan preparationX. However, Policy 20 (Local land-won aggregates) allows for extraction from other sites outside the sites identified within the policy in Policy 20 (1) and (2) to deliver the Annual Provision Rates (APRs) set out in Policy 17 (Aggregate supply - capacity and source), and to maintain the landbanks for both sharp sand and gravel and soft sand as long as development aligns with all relevant policies of the Plan. meet additional demand, if required. Delivery of the APRs and landbanks are monitored and reported in the Local Aggregate Assessment. In instances where the minimum requirements of the landbanks are being met, consideration will be given to the spatial distribution of existing and permitted sites and any risk of competition stifling supply when determining whether new sites are required to maintain the landbank.

[New para.] Evidence shows that over the last 10 years, a total of 2.552mt157 of local land-won aggregate came from un-planned unallocated opportunities, meaning historically these opportunities have played an important role in meeting Hampshire’s demand for local land-won aggregate and can help to address any shortfall in supply. They can also offer some contingency if there is an increased demand for aggregate. It is expected that this will account for at least 2.75mt158 over the Plan period, which equates to 0.25mt per year of the Plan.

[New para.] Opportunities for new soft sand extraction sites are expected to be in the Soft Sand Preferred Areas. Soft Sand is present in limited locations in the Plan area. As only one allocation has been identified as suitable for allocation in the Plan, Soft Sand Preferred Areas have been collated and identified on the Policies Map. These Areas are based on British Geological Survey data for soft sand resources and as identified in the NPPF, exclude the following constraints: National Parks, National Landscapes, International nature conservation designations, scheduled monuments, Registered Parks and Gardens, listed buildings, and conversation areas. Built up areas are also excluded as well as historic landfills. Any remaining area that is less than 3ha has been removed as these would not be considered viable.

[New para.] Opportunities for new extraction sites in addition to those identified in Policy 20 (1-3) will need to demonstrate a viable resource through the provision of supporting information such as borehole data as well as accordance with other policies in this Plan.

[New para.] UnplannedNew unallocated opportunities such as new sand and gravel sites, may include:

• extensions to permitted local and active mineral extraction sites which are not allocated in Policy 20 (3) (Local land-won aggregates) but located in the MSA. This may include the extension of sites where the original permitted workings have not been implemented at the time of Plan preparation; or
• sustainable maximisation of suitable existing plant and / or infrastructure either at or associated with an existing quarry to meet Hampshire's landbank requirements:; or
• sites where there is a proven local need for aggregates to meet local demand. This may include when allocated sites have not come forward and there is a need for aggregate in that area, where the mineral would otherwise be sterilised and where development is associated with another beneficial use; or
• sites where prior extraction of minerals is required before other development takes place which may sterilise the resource, for example. This may include planned development identified in other Local Plans and sites with planning permission for other non-minerals development; or
• sites not allocated in the Plan but located in the MSA, for example. This includes Whitehill & Bordon where mineral resources are specifically safeguarded through as Policy 15 (Safeguarding – mineral resources); and

[New para.] Great weight will be given to new opportunities that support a local economic market, or specific end-use. The need for new sites may be justified by outlining:

• the specific local demand that is not being met by existing or allocated sites; and/or
• mineral extraction is required for other the beneficial uses of the development where the primary purpose for its extraction is not for the mineral extraction, but and it takes place to support other non-mineral developments in a given location e.g. creation of agriculture reservoirs, recreational lakes or borrow pits for a specific localised need.

[New para.] The setting of designations is an important consideration but cannot always be mapped. In instances where a development proposal is within the setting of a designation, the policy for that designation will also be considered – for example, Policy 4 (Nationally protected landscapes) in terms of the setting of the National Parks and National Landscapes.

X See Minerals & Waste Site Proposal Study HMWP Partial Update - Minerals and Waste Site Proposal Study - October 2023

[6.84] Further extraction opportunities will need to demonstrate that they can meet the criteria set out in Policy 20 (3) (Local land-won aggregates) as well the objectives and policies in this Plan.

Table 6.3 – Local land-won requirement up to 2040

Please note - Numbers in table may not sum due to rounding.
Yields stated within plan period only
Source: AM2022 Survey

[6.91] Silica sand, with potential for industrial uses, is geologically and geographically sparsely distributed within the United Kingdom. Silica sand has been extracted historically in surrounding mineral planning areas such as Surrey, Kent and Dorset for use in glass making and other non-aggregate uses160. Soft sand resources in east Hampshire which lie on the edge of the Folkestone bed formation have been shown to include the properties and specifications of silica sand. Silica sand resources are safeguarded through Policy 15 (Safeguarding – mineral resources). The resource located in east Hampshire is considered to be coarser than silica sand used for glass making, making it suitable for use in the recreation and horticultural sectors. The existing Kingsley and Frith End quarries are located in this part of Hampshire and have therefore been shown to extract silica sand as well as soft sand. Recent data received shows industrial sand is also being extracted at Badminston (Fawley) Quarry located in the New Forest National Park from within the Folkstone bed formation and is primarily used for agricultural purposes. These sites are safeguarded through Policy 16 (Safeguarding - mineral infrastructure) and 'Appendix B - List of safeguarded minerals and waste sites'.

[6.92] 161 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 21420 (DLUHC, 2023)
162 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 21420 (c) (DLUHC, 2023)

[6.93] To meet national planning policy requirementsX, the Hampshire Authorities will aim to ensure that permitted reserves of at least 10 years is maintained at existing quarries where silica sand is considered to be extracted in the Folkestone bed formation in east Hampshire. Reserves information from 2022X for the shows that Kingsley and Fawley quarries have a permitted reserves above 10 years, with Frith End quarry having less than 10 years of reserves. quarries indicated that the collective reserves for silica sand are sufficient for approximately 19 years based on 3-year average sales163 and 48 years based on 2022 sales164. The properties of material extracted in these locations is not considered to be suitable for high value industrial uses such as for glass making.

X National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 220 (c) (DLUHC, 2023)
X Local Aggregate Assessment (2022)

[6.94] The majority of resources which have silica sand properties in Hampshire are found either within or in very close proximity to the New Forest National Park or South Downs National Park. Mineral development should only take place in designated areas, such as Hampshire's National Parks, in exceptional circumstances and any development should not compromise the reasons for the National Park designation. This is considered in more detail in the section on 'Landscape and countryside'.

Policy 21: Silica sand development

1. A steady and adequate supply of silica sand will be provided by maintaining permitted reserves sufficient for at least 10 years from:
   1. Frith End Sand Quarry, Sleaford (silica sand)
   2. Kingsley Quarry, Kingsley (silica sand)
   3. Badminston (Fawley) Quarry, Fawley
2. Proposals for silica sand extraction within the Folkestone bed formation and outside the permitted silica sand sites identified above will be supported where it can be demonstrated:
   1. the resource is not located within the New Forest National Park or South Downs National Park unless the requirements of Policy 4 (Nationally protected landscapes) are met; and
   2. the availability of deposits with have properties consistent with silica sand uses is demonstrated; and
   3. the benefits of extracting the mineral, including to the economy, provide a justified need monitoring indicates that there is a need to maintain at least a 10-year supply; and
   4. the proposals development does not have an significant adverse impact on the environmental or amenity impact and local communities either alone or in combination with other plans or projects; or
   5. prior extraction is necessary in order to avoid sterilisation of the deposits due to planned development. the development is for the extraction of mineral resources prior to a planned development.

[6.95] Kingsley Quarry extension was permitted in March 2020 and Frith End Quarry extension was permitted in April 2022. It is acknowledged despite these extensions the sites would struggle to achieve the 10-year permitted reserve requirement of at least 10 years165 based on 3-year collective sales166. Therefore, if further deliverable opportunities come forward these will be considered against the criteria set out in Policy 21 (2) (Silica sand development).

165 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 214 (c) (DLUHC, 2023)
166 Local Aggregate Assessment (2021)

[6.96] It is expected that production of silica sand will primarily be from existing quarries but could require new sites or extensions to existing sites when the need arises to maintain 10 years permitted reserves. Permitted reserves at individual sites are monitored and reported in the annual Monitoring ReportX. Any new proposals will be considered against the criteria set out in Policy 21 (2) and will have to demonstrate the benefits of extracting the minerals. Great weight should be given where the extraction supports a local economic market, or specific end-use. Sites proposed within the New Forest National Park or South Downs National Park would also have to meet the requirements of Policy 4 (Nationally protected landscapes) including the consideration of alternatives, as well as other relevant policies in the Plan.
X Prior to 2025, permitted reserves were reported in an Appendix of the Local Aggregate Assessment.

[6.99] 167 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 21420 (c) (DLUHC, 2023)

[...]

Policy 22: Brick-making clay

1. A supply of locally extracted steady and adequate supply of brick-making clay for use in Hampshire’s remaining brickworks that will enable the maintenance of a landbank of at least 25 years of brick-making clay, will be provided by maintaining permitted reserves sufficient for at least 25 years from the Michelmersh Brickworks as shown on the ‘Policies Map’.

1. the extraction of remaining reserves at the following permitted site:

1. Michelmersh Brickworks

The site identified above is shown on the 'Policies Map'.

Extracted brick-making clay from Michelmersh should only be used for the manufacture of bricks, tiles and related products in the respective brickworks.

2. Clay extraction outside of the area above the sites identified could take place will be supported where it can be demonstrated:
   1. the development, is in line with the other policies in this Plan, the development wouldwill not pose have a significant adverse impact on harm to the environment and local communities; and
   2. the benefits of extracting the mineral, including to the economy, provide a justified needthere is a demonstrated need for the development; and/or
   3. the extraction of brick-making clay is incidental to the extraction of local land-won aggregate at an existing sand and gravel quarry.; or
   4. the development is for the extraction of mineral resources prior to a planned development.
3. Clay extraction for other uses will be supported where it can be demonstrated:
   1. clay cannot be found from other sources; and
   2. there is a need for additional clay for other uses; and / or
   3. the resource is within an existing sand and gravel quarry, and the extraction of clay would be incidental to the extraction of sand and gravel.

[6.103] It is expected that production of brick-making clay will be from extensions to Michelmersh Brickworks to maintain 25 years permitted reserves. Permitted reserves are monitored and reported in the annual Monitoring Report. There may opportunities for the extraction of local brick-making clay in Hampshire. Support will be given for the Any new proposals will be considered against the criteria in Policy 22 (2) and will have to demonstrate the benefits of extracting the minerals which could include development of new manufacturing capacity if this would replace older plants or reduce net imports to the region. Great weight should be given where the extraction supports a local economic market or specific end-use such as the production of traditional bricks. Support will also be given to local extraction to supply local brickworks over and above the sites identified in the Plan where proposals meet all other relevant policies within the Plan. This may include further extension to the site identified in Policy 22 (Brick-making clay) or opportunities for the extraction of brick-making clay in other locations to support the brickworks. Favourable consideration will be given to further proposals which will maintain a supply of material to meet the demand for traditional Michelmersh bricks subject to any proposal meeting other appropriate policies in the Plan.

[6.106] Hampshire also has other resources of clay which are not suitable for brick-making. There may be some circumstances where clay may be extracted for specific needs and uses. This may include its use for civil engineering, landfill engineering or where extraction is incidental to other forms of mineral extraction, such as sand and gravel extraction in areas of suitable geology. Clay extraction for other uses could be supported when:
• clay cannot be found from other sources; and
• there is a demonstrated need for additional clay for other uses; and / or
• the resource is within an existing sand and gravel quarry and the extraction of clay would be incidental to the extraction of sand and gravel.

[6.114] Oil is exported directly by road to Hamble Oil Terminal, which also receives oil, by pipeline from the Wytch Farm oilfield in Dorset. Onshore oil and gas production is relatively small compared to offshore production, but it makes an important contribution to supply. It also has the added advantage of proximity to demand and markets.

[…]

6.116 Oil and gas activity has several different stages including the exploration of oil and gas prospects, appraisal of any oil and gas reserves found, and production and distribution. The production and distribution of oil and gas usually involves the location of gathering stations which are used to process the oil and gas extracted. All stages require planning permission and will be considered in line with all the policies in the Plan. However, the development of gathering stations requires more rigorous examination of the potential impacts than exploration or appraisal so a policy framework that allows applications to be considered is therefore still necessary. Due to the specific nature of oil and gas developments, particular reference may need to also be made to Policy 2 (Climate change – mitigation and adaptation) and Policy 8 (Water management).

Policy 24: Oil and gas development

Oil and gas development will only be permitted subject to environmental and amenity considerations.

1. Exploration and appraisal of oil and gas will only be permitted, provided where it can be demonstrated that the site and equipment:
   1. is not located within the New Forest National Park or South Downs National Park unless the requirements of Policy 4 (Nationally protected landscapes) are met; and
   2. is sited at a location where it can be demonstrated that it will not have a significant adverse environmental or amenity impact; and
   3. the proposal provides for the restoration and subsequent aftercare of the site, whether or not oil or gas is found; and
   4. is not located within a Source Protection Zone 1 (SPZ) (including confined Zone 1 (SPZ1C)). Outside Source Protection Zone 1, developments will only be supportedpermitted where there are no hazards unacceptable risks to groundwater.
2. The commercial production of oil and gas will only be permitted, provided where it can be demonstrated that the site and equipment:
   1. is not located within the New Forest National Park or South Downs National Park unless the requirements of Policy 4 (Nationally protected landscapes) are met; and
   2. a full appraisal programme for the oil and gas field has been completed; and
   3. the proposed location is the most suitable, taking into account environmental, geological and technical factors; and
   4. is not located within a Source Protection Zone 1 (SPZ) (including confined Zone 1 (SPZ1C)). Outside Source Protection Zone 1, developments will only be supportedpermitted where there are no hazards unacceptable risks to groundwater.
3. Gas storage will only be permitted provided where it can be demonstrated that:
   1. the site is not located within the New Forest National Park or South Downs National Park unless the requirements of Policy 4 (Nationally protected landscapes) are met;
   2. the capacity and integrity of the geological structure has been proven to be suitable; and
   3. the development proposals demonstrate that there would be no will not have significant adverse impacts on the environmental or amenity impact as a consequence, particularly, of the:
      1. proposed location of the wellhead and facilities;
      2. location and scale of associated surface development, which should be the minimum required; and
      3. pipelines for gas transfer and their routeing.

6.117 A key environmental consideration that applies to oil and gas development will be the contribution that fossil fuels make to climate change and the impacts of climate change. Hydrocarbons are used in a number of applications and carbon emissions that arise from any one of these uses would differ greatly, dependent upon the efficiency of that user and the carbon capture solutions employed. It is expected that these potential downstream environmental impacts of the development are fully assessed, either separately or as part of an Environmental Assessment.

6.118 The existing oil and gas sites and infrastructure may offer opportunities in the future to help deliver and contribute to the transition to a net zero carbon future. Existing operators and the trade association are working with downstream companies to see how existing sites and infrastructure may be used to meet this target – whilst at the current time assisting in delivering hydrocarbons required as part of a dependable energy mix during this transition period. How minerals and waste development can contribute to the vision of being carbon neutral and resilient, and what proposals need to demonstrate, is further considered in the section on ‘Climate change’.

[6.119] 173 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 21521 (b) (DLUHC, 2023)

[…]

6.121 […] Other issues to consider for oil and gas production are the timing and method of gas flaring, vehicular access, the direction of vehicles leaving the site, noise emissions, pollution prevention of spillages, the disposal of unwanted gas and the transportation of the end product from the well site or gathering station. Some of these issues will be handled by other relevant government agencies, for example through the need to obtain environmental permits from the Environment Agency regarding any potential for pollution or to adhere to guidance on flaring from the North Sea Transition Authorityx.
x North Sea Transition Authority, Consolidate Guidance, 2018 - https://www.nstauthority.co.uk/regulatory-information/exploration-and-production/onshore/

[6.151] 193 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 18793 (DLUHC, 2023)

[…]

Policy 26: Safeguarding – waste infrastructure

1. Waste management infrastructure that provides strategic capacity is safeguarded against non-waste redevelopment that would unnecessarily sterilise the infrastructure or prejudice its current or future use, throughput and/or capacity.
2. A redevelopment of all or part of a safeguarded site to non-waste use will only be supported if where it can be demonstrated:
   1. the waste management infrastructure is no longer needed (as confirmed by the relevant Waste Planning Authority); or
   2. the waste management capacity can be is relocated or reprovided elsewhere and delivered; In such instances, alternative capacity should:
      1. meet the provisions of the Plan, that this alternative capacity is deliverable must be at least equal to the proposed loss, unless a decrease has been supported by the relevant Waste Planning Authority (as per criterion a), and must be delivered in advance of redevelopment of all or part of the existing; and
      2. be appropriately and sustainably located; and
      3. conform to the relevant environmental and community protection policies in this Plan; or
   3. the proposed development is part of a wider programme of reinvestment in the delivery of enhanced waste management facilities.
3. Where a non-waste development is within proximity to a safeguarded site, it will provide appropriate mitigation measures to minimise the effects of the waste sites on its occupiers. If, after applying the ‘agent of change principle’, there still remain some risk of constraint to the current or future waste operation, the development will only be supported if the merits of the development clearly outweigh the effect where suitable mitigation can be provided to ensure there are no significant adverse effects on the safeguarded site. This mitigation must be completed prior to occupation of the site for any purpose.

[…]

[6.154] Strategic capacity comprises those sites critical to the delivery of the Plan and are set out in ‘Appendix B – List of safeguarded minerals and waste sites’. Following the adoption of the Plan, the safeguarded list will be updated through the monitoring of the Plan. and the latest version will be available onlinex.

x Current live safeguarded sites list - https://www.hants.gov.uk/landplanningandenvironment/strategic-planning/sites-in-hampshire

[6.155] New waste management developments will be automatically safeguarded if they fulfil certain conditions. This will not include waste operations that are permitted through a CLU, as this will not have allowed for any potential impacts to be appropriately considered and mitigated. The conditions to safeguard sites are:

• provide individual capacity of at least 50,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) or are part of a network of similar facilities194; or
• provide water/rail transport of waste materials; or
• provide a specialist waste management function (including waste-water treatment, where appropriate); or
• are of regional or national waste management significance.

[…]

[6.156] 195 National Planning Policy Framework, Para. 2106 (c) (DLUHC, 2023)

[…]

[6.157] If there are strong overriding reasons to justify the loss of waste facilities, including through change of use, it is important that appropriate replacement provision is made elsewhere where needed. This will need to be demonstrated in most cases. However, waste-water treatments sites would not because they are managed by statutory sewerage undertakers who have a responsibility to maintain appropriate capacity under a different regime. This may include locations where there are strong regeneration needs for the redevelopment of waste management sites.

Table 6.5

• Estimated arisings in 2021(mpta) – Total: 5.815.38
• Estimated capacity in 2021(mpta) – Total: 5.294.94
• Estimated arisings in 2040 (mpta) – Total: 7.45.87



Policy 27: Capacity for waste management development

1. In order to reach the objectives of the Plan and to deal with arisings by 2040 of:
   • a. 3.0mtpa of non-hazardous waste;
   • b. 2.6mtpa of inert waste;
   • c. 0.28mtpa of hazardous waste.
2. The following amounts of additional waste infrastructure capacity are estimated to be required:
   • a. At least 0.11mtpa of non-hazardous recycling capacity; and
   • b. Up to 0.37mtpa of non-hazardous recovery capacity; and
   • c. Up to 2.3mt of non-hazardous landfill void; and
   • d. At least 0.4mtpa inert recycling capacity; and
   • e. Maintenance of current inert recovery capacity levels (up to 1.1mtpa); and
   • f. 0.157mtpa of hazardous waste capacity.
3. Where it is demonstrated by monitoring, through a Plan Review, that the capacity gap estimate needs to be revised, provision will be judged against the capacity gap established in the Monitoring Report until the Plan is updated.
4. Proposals will be supported where they maintain and provide additional capacity for non-hazardous recycling and recovery through:
   • a. the use of existing waste management sites; or
   • b. extensions to suitable sites:
     • i. that are ancillary to the operation of the existing site and improve current operating standards, where applicable, or provide for the co-location of compatible waste activities; and
     • ii. which do not result in inappropriate permanent development of a temporary facility and proposals for ancillary plant, buildings and additional developments that do not extend the timescale for completion of the development; or
   • c. extensions of time to current temporary planning permissions where it would not result in inappropriate development; or
   • d. appropriate new sites to provide additional capacity (see in line with Policy 28 (Locations and sites for waste management).

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