Agenda item

The application before Members was for progressive mineral extraction together with the subsequent importation of inert materials to restore the land back to existing levels and agricultural use.

The application site covered approximately 26 hectares and was for the extraction of approximately 1.35 million tonnes of sand and gravel over a seven year period.  Site restoration would be progressive but would continue for an additional two year period post final extraction. 

The application was originally presented to the Committee on the 28 January 2016. Members had resolved to defer the application so that further information could be sought and accordingly with this information to hand the application was being re-presented for determination.

Since the last presentation two additional letters of representation had been received and a letter from John Cruddas MP had been submitted which was read to the Committee.

In accordance with the public speaking arrangements the Committee was addressed by an objector with a response by the applicant’s agent.

The objector commented that he was speaking on behalf of the residents of Wennington and that the village was a peaceful and tranquil setting that would be blighted by noise nuisance if the application was approved. The objector also commented that surrounding roads were in a poor state of repair and dirty and that approving the application would only serve to exacerbate the problem.

The applicant’s agent responded by commenting that the officer’s report showed overwhelming approval of the proposals and that measures would be put in place to minimise the environmental impact the proposal would have on the village these would include noise screening and improved landscaping. The agent concluded that the proposal was in keeping with Green Belt policies.

With its agreement Councillor David Durant addressed the Committee.

Councillor Durant commented that the proposal site was formed of good grade agricultural land and was situated close to an eight hundred year old church. Councillor Durant also commented that whilst Green Belt policies allowed for mineral extraction they did not allow for a processing plant and therefore the proposal fell down as it was not within the specified policies. Councillor Durant continued by commenting that other local authorities had not reached their extraction quotas and had not been penalised for failing to do so. Councillor Durant concluded by commenting that there were already a number of other extraction sites in the area but this proposal was on the doorstep of residents and would harm their amenity.

During the debate Members discussed the impact the proposal would have on the amenity of local residents and on the condition of the surrounding roads.

Members also discussed the fact that other authorities had failed to be penalised for not meeting extraction quotas and the cumulative effect the proposal would have when combined with other extraction sites in the surrounding area.

Members also discussed the possible impact the proposal would have on the proposed Beam Reach development.

The report recommended that planning permission be approved however, following a motion to refuse the granting of planning permission it was RESOLVED that planning permission be refused on the grounds that:

·         The London Borough of Havering had progressed sufficiently against land bank quota in the context of London and environmental considerations for the local community.

·         The operational model depended significantly on on-site processing involving imported material and harms the Green Belt both in principle as inappropriate development and through the impact of bunds and machinery on visual amenity and rural setting of Wennington Village.

·         Excessive cumulative HGV traffic with associated harm caused by environmental impact including emissions, air quality effects, dust, mud etc.

·         Audible effect of plant and machinery harmful to the residential amenity.

·         Excessive cumulative impact of HGV traffic on convenience of other road users.

The vote for the resolution to refuse planning permission was carried by 10 votes to 0 with 1 abstention.

Councillor Misir abstained from voting.