Grundon Sand & Gravel has submitted its planning application to develop a building sand quarry, on land known as Purple Haze, just south of Verwood.
The quarry would be along Verwood Road between the recycling centre and the A31, set back from the road so it won’t be obviously visible to passing motorists.
A new access road from the B3081 would be created near the entrance to the Somerly Household Recycling Centre, but not opposite as was previously suggested.
Paths in Moors Valley along with the cycle tracks will be rerouted should approval be given.
Following public consultations in July 2019 and July 2020 into its options to develop the proposed site, Grundon has received feedback on its proposals from Hampshire County Council as the relevant Minerals and Waste Planning Authority, including its views on the potential effects of the development and the main topics on which the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) should focus.
Once the Council has received feedback and comments, it may ask Grundon further questions about the development. Only when HCC is satisfied it has sufficient information will the application be determined.
Stewart Mitchell, Grundon’s Estates Manager, believes the application and the supporting documents provide a comprehensive package of information on all the relevant aspects necessary for the development of a building sand quarry: “Producing a full planning application – and the associated Environmental Statement – is a complex and time-consuming task – as our application has been prepared in accordance with the site allocation in the Hampshire CC Minerals and Waste Local Plan.
“Following our online public consultation, HCC will carry out its own public consultation, carefully considering both our application and the Environmental Statement.
“When dealing with large applications, Planning Authorities regularly refer back to the applicant for further explanations, or clarification about the information submitted, before making any decision.
“We will continue to keep the public informed as the application progresses. If HCC does grant planning permission – and before work starts on site – we would form a local Liaison Group. This would include representatives from the local community, special interest groups and Grundon Sand & Gravel. We will provide further information about this proposal as we move through the planning process.”
See the application in full here, and follow the links on the page to provide feedback, which needs to be sent before 21st May 2021.