Agenda item

Extraction of approximately 11.5 million tonnes of sand and gravel, in phased working, together with importation of aggregates and cement, construction of a car park, internal haul road, bridged conveyor crossing, erection of a site office, aggregate processing plant, aggregate bagging plant, ready mix concrete plant, and ancillary buildings. Restoration to water bodies and agriculture and biodiversity enhancements together with public access and use of retained site office as a Visitor Centre.

With the aid of a visual presentation the Case Officer identified the site and outlined the proposal. The presentation included plans, aerial photographs, and illustrative images. Members were shown the site location and wider context maps, the proposed phasing of works over a ten-year period, and the dredging methodology, including the use of electric dredging units. Details were provided of the proposed conveyor crossing over the B3390, the elevations of the site office and visitor centre, and the creation of a permissive bridleway and new footpath links between Moreton Station and Moreton village. The presentation also addressed anticipated traffic movements and access arrangements, restoration measures aimed at enhancing ecology and biodiversity, and the layout of ancillary buildings across the site. The officer’s recommendation was to grant planning subject to conditions and completion of a section 106 agreement.

Public Participation

Nigel Hill raised concerns regarding water flow beneath the surface at Hurst Farm Quarry, explaining that slowed water created silt and made the site particularly sensitive. He referred to the consultation process and the technical papers provided, noting that he had no prior experience of such matters but remained sceptical about proposed solutions to the waterflow problem. He argued that failures in water management could occur and emphasised that restoration should be prioritised, particularly given the expanding local population. 

Cllr David Neudegg spoke in his own personal capacity and highlighted the importance of Sculpture by the Lakes as a recognised tourist site and expressed concern that noise levels, already noticeable, would increase under the proposal. He noted the report gave limited attention to noise impacts and requested a public commitment from the applicant to address these issues, including consideration of operational times

Cllr Tony Meader spoke in his personal capacity and warned that extended quarrying would industrialise the rural landscape and exacerbate noise issues already experienced locally. He stressed the need for strict enforcement of conditions and raised safety concerns for cyclists and horse riders on narrow routes. He considered the scale of the application excessive and urged refusal.

Cllr Roland Tarr noted that noise had been a continuous problem in the area. He highlighted the high number of truck movements and stressed that tonnage limits should be enforced. He also expressed concern about the visual and environmental impact of the proposed crossing in a rural setting.

Robert Westell, speaking as the applicant’s agent, emphasised the urgent need for the proposal, noting that Hurst Farm was the only site allocated for this purpose since 2019. He explained that the application had been subject to extensive scrutiny and highlighted the projected 190 percent biodiversity net gain, the creation of employment opportunities, and the provision of safe pedestrian links. He stated that the development was essential for Dorset’s economic growth.

Richard Kimblin KC stated that the site had been formally allocated and that the proposal was in line with the adopted plan. He acknowledged that mineral developments inevitably had impacts but emphasised that the application had been subject to detailed scrutiny. He advised that the conditions proposed should be followed and confirmed that significant time and effort had gone into preparing the scheme in accordance with professional guidance

Cllr Gillian Carpenter, representing Moreton Parish Council, formally objected to the application. She argued that it undermined planning policies and posed a significant threat to the area. She considered the transport assessment to be flawed, with HGV movements creating safety risks on local road networks, particularly at the historic Hurst Bridge where poor signage compounded the problem. She stated that increased HGV traffic would put road users at risk. Concerns were also raised about the impact on veteran trees, with reference made to the NPPF, as well as the long-term effects of noise and dust on residents. She concluded that the risks had not been adequately addressed and urged the committee to reject the application.

The Local Ward member acknowledged the urgency and need for the proposal but raised concerns about traffic impacts at Hurst Bridge, noting two incidents and warning that an additional 100 movements would exacerbate the risk. While recognising the housing need and the context of the Mineral and Waste Plan, Cllr Laura Beddow considered that the proposed traffic mitigation measures were insufficient.

Members questions and comments

• Members queried conditions 26, 27 and 28, asking whether hydrology matters had been properly commenced and whether they would return to committee.
• Questions were raised regarding the commencement date of the development.
• Members noted the high-water table in the area, which would dictate the end point of restoration for water bodies.
• Concerns were expressed about traffic and the need for appropriate traffic control measures.
• Clarification was sought on whether cumulative data from workings had been combined, with reference to climate change considerations.
• Concerns were expressed about the removal of a veteran tree, with members warning that moving it could be damaging. Further detail was requested on how the tree would be managed to ensure its survival and on the suitability of the compensation strategy.
• Queried whether two HGVs would be able to pass safely on affected routes.
• The presence of the rare plant Heath Lobelia was highlighted, and assurances were sought on its management to ensure its protection.
• Figures presented of a maximum of 200 HGV movements per day were discussed. Members noted that the operator would be required to keep records and that the Council could inspect these at any time. The establishment of a local liaison panel was supported.
• Questions were raised on aspects of the restoration scheme.
• Members asked about the proposed site office and visitor centre, including the use of solar panels and drainage arrangements.
• Clarification was sought on car parking arrangements, including whether the site would be gated and whether late opening times would apply.
• Members asked about the wheel wash facilities, its maintenance and how it would be monitored to ensure it functioned effectively and did not create problems.
• Concerns were raised over the chosen access route, and members queried whether alternatives had been properly considered.
• Members asked how the restoration lakes would be protected from boundary degradation.
• Concerns were expressed regarding parking charges, and members requested that these be capped at the level charged by the local authority at the time of restoration.
• Reference was made to the Council’s declaration of a climate and nature emergency. Members stressed the need to consider government guidance and expressed concern that the current compensation strategy was insufficient.
• Members acknowledged the significant amount of expert work undertaken, welcomed the commitment to monitoring traffic movements, and noted the importance of future-proofing the proposed buildings.
• It was noted that, even if the veteran tree did not survive, it would retain ecological value as deadwood habitat.

Having had the opportunity to discuss the merits of the application and an understanding of all this entailed; having considered the officer’s report and presentation; the written representatives; and what they had heard at the meeting, a motion to APPROVE the officer’s recommendation to GRANT as recommended, was proposed by Cllr Belinda Rideout, and seconded by Cllr David Taylor, subject to conditions set out in the officer report.

Decision: To grant for the reasons set out in Section 3 of the officer’s report.