Highcliffe Residents Association Meeting - 12th March 2007

WRAGE were represented at the meeting by Peter Martin. Please read on below for details of items raised at the meeting, and for Peter’s informative update on the current situation.

• Peter reported back that WRAGE had been represented at Hampshire County Council’s Public Examination, for the Mineral & Waste Strategy, in Winchester. Dr Christopher Day, John Lloyd and Peter all attended and Peter thanked them for their time in attending and the preparation that went into presenting our Case. He also thanked Raeph Cumming, from Christchurch Council for so ably representing CBC at the Public Examination.
• Three issues in particular arose at the meeting. Firstly that Hampshire’s supplementary planning policy for the Ringwood Forest area had been preventing Tarmac from applying for consent at Plumley Wood, which would provide 16 years gravel supply. Secondly that HCC claimed that no traffic figures were available for the A35 and A337 at Lyndhurst, which was difficult to understand given the ongoing bypass issue. The Inspector asked for figures to be produced. Finally, the Inspector was concerned that HCC had not bothered to consult with DCC over gravel traffic routes or over Sand and Ballast needs.
• Dorset County Council asked WRAGE to be involved in formulating their policy. In order to remain independent, Peter recommended that WRAGE be simply listed as a consultee.
• Peter outlined the likely next steps for the process. The Inspector’s report should be issued in the Summer of 2007, either approving the HCC Mineral and Waste Strategy, or suggesting amendments. HCC would then issue a plan of sites in the Autumn, possibly dropping some sites. This plan would be considered by the Inspector and there would be another Public Examination at which any objections could again be raised. At any stage commercial gravel companies could apply for planning permission, but they were much more to likely to succeed if a site was in an approved plan. 
• Peter informed HRA that a dedicated WRAGE website was being setup due to the apparent level of interest and support from people and groups in Hampshire and Dorset. The website was being created with links to HRA and individuals, with a view to informing, updating and encouraging participants over what is a not an inconsiderable period, much of which will relatively quiet punctuated by burst of intense activity and public involvement. 
• Peter Martin will no longer be an HRA member from 21st March, due to moving areas, but will remain fully involved with WRAGE.