Bid to build higher rubble heaps at waste site thrown out

Hampshire County Council’s regulatory committee rejected Waltet Materials’ bid to raise stockpiles from four metres to seven metres at its Bunny Lane site near Romsey, saying the scheme failed to prove the extra height was needed.

Councillors said any benefits were outweighed by an unacceptable impact on the landscape and people’s enjoyment of the area.

The company said taller mounds were vital to meet demand and give it more flexibility to store and process waste.

Hampshire County Council’s regulatory committee, July 15. Photo: Maya George, LDRS

Speaking at the committee meeting on July 15, managing director Mark Howard said: “It is not an application to expand the site. It is not an application to increase the amount of waste, and it does not seek longer operating hours.

“It is a mere application to allow temporary stockpiles to increase from four metres to seven metres.

“I think that distinction is extremely important.”

He said the site had operated for about 20 years and was an “established” part of Hampshire’s waste management infrastructure.

Mr Howard said the business worked with Hampshire County Council and that it was a “very tough time” for businesses.

He added: “This is not about convenience; it’s about enabling an established recycling facility to continue operating efficiently within modern waste management.

“If material cannot be stored temporarily while conditions improve, it has to be transported elsewhere or processed. Neither outcome supports sustainable waste management.”

The meeting heard a written deputation from council leader Nick Adams-King.

The Conservative councillor said he objected to the proposals and explained that the four-metre stockpile limit was imposed for a “clear planning purpose”.

He said the limit was there to “protect the local landscape and visual amenity, and to ensure that plants and machinery remained screened”.

Neighbouring residents lodged 16 objections.

Cllr Adams-King added: “This is a countryside site with footpaths nearby and residential properties affected by views and noise.

“Residents are objecting because they understand the reality of over-height stockpiles and visible plants on the landscape.”

Council officers recommended refusal, but the vote was tied at six to six.

Interim chair Cllr Steve Broomfield, Conservative member for West End and Horton Heath, used his casting vote to back refusal.

The 6.2-hectare site is permitted to handle up to 150,000 tonnes a year of inert construction and demolition waste, as well as non-hazardous commercial and industrial waste.