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November 2007 Public Meeting in Milford

Reference: Hampshire County Council Minerals Plan, Public Meeting held on November 22nd in Milford-on-Sea

The meeting chaired by the DAMAGE Committee was attended by over 150 residents, MP Desmond Swayne, local HCC Councillors Alan Rice and Adrian Evans and Bob Bishop of Milford Parish Council.  Mr Richard Read of HCC Minerals dept. was invited to attend, but declined.

Jim Sey, Chairman of DAMAGE opened the meeting with a brief history of the several failed New Milton Sand & Ballast planning applications and a Public Inquiry on Downton Manor Farm, all successfully opposed by DAMAGE.

The HCC Minerals Plan currently in the consultation phase, which will end at 5pm on December 13th was summarised for those attending.  DAMAGE noted and took strong exception to the HCC approach to the consultation process, which relied heavily on internet access.  Of the residents attending, only 2 people had been made aware of the Plan by HCC, the remainder solely by the DAMAGE and HERITAGE publicity campaign.

The Plan identifies Downton Manor, Yeatton and Lea Green Farms as “Downton”, one large 326 acre site, with 3.9 million tonnes of minerals and residents are asked to choose between Downton and Ashley Manor Farm at New Milton, the inference being that it is not an option to say no to both.  Residents were recommended to refute the choice option, as neither site was likely to be acceptable to local residents.  An HCC official has advised DAMAGE that if either site is approved, the other will follow in time and the combined workings are likely to be in excess of a 25year period.  Other farms in the area, such as Kings and Batchley Farms, would then be exploited in time once the principle of minerals workings was established in the area.

Bob Bishop of Milford Parish Council outlined to residents the flawed HCC case on the need for gravel.  He explained that Hampshire planners were seeking these controversial major sites, simply to meet a temporary shortfall against artificially high Government targets.  The government was already reviewing the targets and everyone expected they would be reduced at about the time the new Plan would be finalised. So the proposals were utterly unrealistic and unfair, particularly as HCC had categorically stated just 12 months ago that no additional gravel sites were required in the south Forest area.
Mr Bishop went on to explain that there were no guarantees that any excavated sites would not be used for landfill due to a national shortfall of landfill sites as published recently in the national press.

Steve Burton of DAMAGE brought to the attention of residents, a number of serious flaws in the Plan assumptions, such as Downton extraction commencing in January 2008 when not possible until 2010 at earliest.  Also when considering the more serious impact on local communities of “large sites” of greater than 2.5 million tonnes, the preferred site of “Downton” for this purpose is deviously and transparently re-categorised as 3 separate farms, of between 1.1 and 1.5 million tonnes.

Mr Burton went on to suggest possible grounds for objections to the proposal to residents, which outlined the impacts of noise, dust, traffic, environment, tourism, the economy and the Green Belt.

Jim Sey lastly drew residents attention to the recent HCC statement in the Lymington Times, that residents should suggest alternative sites if they do not wish either Downton or Ashley as Preferred Sites.  Residents were advised that the already identified proposed preferred area of the Hampshire Roeshot Hill site, had reserves of in excess of 7 million tonnes, not 3 million tonnes as stated by the HCC Minerals Dept.  The 7 million tonne figure having been confirmed by the DAMAGE minerals consultant, based on information in the public domain.

Member of Parliament Desmond Swayne, spoke at length in support of opposition to the Plan proposals and suggested to residents “that you should be outraged that they (HCC Planners), refused to come to your meeting - they are your servants, not your masters”.  Mr Swayne also expressed serious concern over the HGV impact of the proposals on the road network in the area.

HCC Councillors Adrian Evans and Allan Rice both spoke at length, and pledged their support to residents in opposition to the plan proposals, which in their view were entirely inappropriate for the Coastal Belt area and the communities nearby.

There followed a protracted Q&A session.

James D A Sey, Chairman of  D.A.M.A.G.E.

November 2007 Downton Manor Farm Public Inquiry

Click to see the "Greater" Downton proposed gravel quarries

From the November 10th Lymington Times, it is evident that HCC are determined that residents “should chose between DOWNTON and ASHLEY Manor Farms” as one or the other is likely to be a preferred site.  OR, quote,“another site will need to be identified and suggestions would be welcomed” as an alternative to either.

FINE, LETS GIVE HCC WHAT IT SAYS IT WANTS: and in addition to your written objections to the DOWNTON proposals:
We urge you to suggest an alternative site as requested,
ie “ROESHOT HILL”, Christchurch per Appendix 2 Fig. 59 pPA12.

The reasoning: as follows:

• The site is nearer the major historic market for Sand & gravel - East Dorset
• HGV access to the A31 is excellent and avoids the A337 and Highcliffe
• The ROESHOT reserves are not as stated in plan as 3 million tonnes,
     but in fact 7 million tonnes, almost the total reserves of DOWNTON and ASHLEY
• The sand to gravel mix at ROESHOT is better than in the Coastal Belt
• In comparison to the Coastal Belt, there are very few residents near the site.

DAMAGE is totally opposed to making a choice between DOWNTON or the ASHLEY site at New Milton.  If one is exploited the other (and many others in our area) will surely follow in time once extraction is established in the Coastal Belt.

There are in addition several other sites listed, more suitable/acceptable for minerals that have been excluded from the “preferred site” listing, than either DOWNTON or ASHLEY in New Milton

5 November 2007 Address to Parish Council by Jim Sey, Chairman of DAMAGE

Hampshire Draft Minerals Plan
Consultation The consultation period ends at 5pm December 12th

The Consultation process…
• HCC have refused to participate in a public meeting with residents which DAMAGE offered to arrange, despite such a meeting held for the last Draft Plan in 1992. (or perhaps because of as Downton was subsequently withdrawn, we believe as a result of the strength of feeling at the meeting) Despite HCC’s refusal DAMAGE will hold a public meeting for residents this month, at a date and venue to be advised by poster, newsletter and in the press.

• HCC see consultation as: inviting a very selective number of representatives to a “Workshop” which excludes the public, on November 26th for a “Presentation on the site selection process and consultation processes”. Moreover in the 2½ hour meeting, much of which we assume will be taken up with the HCC presentation, the discussions will be on 6 sites in the New Forest area which will make a mockery of significant discussion being possible in the remaining time, on the Downton site

• HCC have requested that those wishing to comment on the Draft Plan, complete an 18 page “tick the box” questionnaire. It seems to be as a substitute to avoid confusing HCC planners with individual letters of objections from residents, which will undoubtedly raise all sorts of very relevant issues that the questionnaire format does not encourage, or indeed mention…5 issues highlighted

The Draft Plan
• Lists “Downton” as a preferred site, ie as one preferred site, with 3.9 million tonnes of gravel.
• An appendix to the Plan advises that sites over 2.5 million tonnes would be regarded as “large sites which would have a cumulative (negative) effect” and as such special consideration would be given before inclusion…you might think this is good news then, as “Downton” is defined is 3.9 million tonnes
• Apparently not however, as for reasons which are not too difficult to guess, it then goes on to exclude “Downton” from this more favourable category, as the contiguous area happens to be owned by three separate farms and landowners

• Clearly then in the view of the HCC planners, a greater that 2.5 million tonne minerals quarry is less intrusive and disruptive to the community, than a quarry of equal size, provided the land is not in common ownership
• For information it is a matter of record that both Downton and Yeatton farms would be worked by NMS&B and most likely Lea Green farm also

DAMAGE believes that the consultation guidelines are being cynically manipulated by those in HCC planning department, resolved to turn the New Milton to Lymington Coastal Belt, into a progressively worked minerals extraction area for a time period. outwith the lifespan of all but the young local residents

To confirm these fears, you need only to refer to the Draft Plan Appendix 7…“Mineral Resource Area…New Forest District Council”. The map, which is in a conveniently and in an indecipherably small scale, illustrates the potential mineral availability as only 2 areas
• The Avon Valley
• The Coastal Belt (New Milton to Lymington)

Why do they need to impose these proposals on our area?
• We understand that the shortfall against the unrealistically and historic high government landbank reserves requirement, is around 0.5 million tonnes
• With a new and undoubtedly smaller landbank requirement being issued from Government before any new sites can be brought into production, why overkill a paper shortfall, by approving a 4 million tonne preferred site in our area?

Where is all the gravel needed?
• Dorset takes 80% of all sand and gravel extracted in SW Hampshire
• However Dorset has a new source of gravel at Hurn Airport opened by NMS&B in 2006 with 1.8 million tonnes of reserves!

Why extract all this gravel? Good question to which DAMAGE has no answer as yet. What is known is that:
• The claimed family owned NMS&B (we believe actually owned by the German based Keiser Cement), promoted with NFDC the re-zoning of their New Milton Mineral processing site for housing and commercial development and are seeking another industrial site for the processing plant
• The Draft Plan in section 4.45 states that “Both locations (Downton and Ashley Manor farms), offer the possibility of relocating the processing plant away from Caird Avenue”
• If the supply of minerals from Hampshire to Dorset declines as it must, then it must go elsewhere and that means going via Lyndhurst?

The minor conflict between local residents and the Downton Manor farm minerals planning over the last 15 years, has now been eclipsed by this latest and larger threat to the 7km Coastal Belt along the A337, New Milton to Pennington and from Hordle in the North to Keyhaven in the South

Can this Parish Council, the NFDC, Lymington Town Council, our Hampshire councillors and the many thousands of residents of the 7km Coastal Belt, really allow this to happen?

DAMAGE will attempt to issue in the next few weeks, every household with a newsletter stating the facts of our case, urging residents to object and also to attend the DAMAGE public meeting to be held later this month, to clarify and underscore the threat to our area. DAMAGE will also have the facts on the issue, available on their website.

James Sey, on behalf of the Committee of DAMAGE

October 2007 Downton Manor Farm Public Inquiry

Email from: JDA Sey, DAMAGE
To: richard.read@hants.gov.uk
Sent: Thursday, October 11, 2007 9:57 AM
Subject: Draft Hampshire Minerals Plan

Dear Mr Read,

We see from the Hants website that the consultation period on the Draft Hampshire Minerals Plan will commence on October 31st and close on the 12th of December. As 6 weeks is a very short time to acquaint local residents it would be helpful and in the spirit of the consultation if you could advise on the following as soon as possible, it would be appreciated.

When can we expect the promised map, which hopefully will define what we have been given to understand to be “Greater Downton” in the proposals. We would hope that it would be available to us well before the October 31st date. If a map is not immediately available, a listing of the areas covered by "Greater Downton" would be helpful.
DAMAGE formally requests that a public meeting be held by HCC for the residents of Milford, Downton, Everton and Hordle. The residents of these communities we understand are likely to be affected by the proposals and will undoubtedly have questions for your officials. Obviously timing is important and we suggest the meeting during week commencing November 19th.
We draw your attention to the fact that HCC held a public meeting for our residents during the consultation phase of the last M&W Plan in the early 1990’s, in Milford Church Hall. Regrettably the hall was too small last time with many residents turned away and it would certainly be far too small this time. We would be happy to arrange facilities for the meeting to be held at Shorefield Country Park, subject to Shorefield having accommodation availability on the agreed date.
DAMAGE will wish to make representations at the public meeting.
Please advise whether there will be a formal registration procedure for a resident wishing to speak at the public meeting.
To whom in HCC, should residents wishing to write expressing their views on the proposals, address their letter to and the final date for receipt?
We would appreciate an early response to the above.

James Sey, on behalf of the Committee of DAMAGE

September 2007 Downton Manor Farm Public Inquiry

Downton Farm Public Inquiry…the appeal by New Milton Sand & Ballast to allow gravel extraction and landfill, was rejected by the Secretary of State on September 20th! The DAMAGE Committee are very pleased with the result and see it as a vindication of the hard fought battle at the Inquiry held in April, with the support of residents and businesses, which contributed to the substantial funding required for their representation. New Milton Sand & Ballast, a subsidiary of Hanson plc, recently acquired by the giant German based conglomerate Heidelberg Cement, will have to think again!

Regrettably however although the battle is hard won, the war is far from over. It has been made clear to DAMAGE in recent weeks, that the new HCC Draft Minerals & Waste Plan, if approved by Councillors to pass to the consultation phase due to start in October, contains another imminent threat to the Forest Coastal Belt, to the West of Lymington.

Listed in the document as “Preferred Sites” at the request of the minerals industry and/or local landowners, are "DOWNTON, DOWNTON OR ASHLEY MANOR FARM, NEW MILTON".
DAMAGE does not consider the A337 Coastal Belt for mineral extraction and landfill, as compatible activities with the local residential and tourism infrastructure. An HCC official when asked for clarification on the above sites stated that “DOWNTON”, is an area which can be categorised as “GREATER DOWNTON”, which will include Downton, Yeatton and Lea Green Farms, totalling 139 hectares or 343 acres…see map attached. Kings and Batchley farms to the East of Hordle and north of Everton, are also likely to be targets for the future also once extraction is established in the area.

DAMAGE will fight this proposal which would in effect creating the next "Avon Valley" on the A337 within 3 miles to the West of the centre of Lymington, an area dependant on tourism, with a high rural population density, thus blighting the quality of life of residents and local economy of the area for at least the next 50 years. The tragedy of which, is that once approved as a “Preferred Site” to meet the government imposed targets, the farms will be exploited for minerals, despite the undisputed fact that the requirement for gravel in the Forest Area has been running at 60% of the Government target apportionment for the area for some time.

The drive to have Preferred Site status approved for minerals extraction in the A337 Coastal Belt by the minerals industry and landowners, whilst there are already identified Preferred Sites in the County yet to be exploited and for which, the minerals industry have yet to apply for planning, should be opposed by HCC, not encouraged. New apportionment figures are due out from Government, which will undoubtedly lower the requirement from the Forest Area, which DAMAGE believes will negate the need for any additional “Preferred Sites” to the year 2020.

DAMAGE draws the attention of our elected representatives of the NFDC, HCC and Parliament, to these proposals and asks that they take whatever steps possible to prevent this catastrophe for the area and the people that they represent. We call on them to bring pressure to bear on those officials behind this long running threat to our area and have it killed outright, once and for all.

The DAMAGE Committee will be actively engaged in the HCC Draft Plan consultative process, representing those local residents and businesses that oppose the proposals to include sites in the Forest Coastal Belt.

Jim Sey, on behalf of the Committee of DAMAGE

September 2007 Downton Manor Farm Public Inquiry

The Secretary of State has delayed her decision on the Inquiry and requested further representations from the parties to the Public Inquiry, on how the subsequently approved Hampshire Minerals and Waste Development Core Planning Strategy, might influence her decision on the Appeal by New Milton Sand & Ballast.  DAMAGE has made observations on the Strategy, highlighting the sections requiring minerals sites to be located sensitively, such that they reduce road transport and referring to a number of traffic related concerns in the Strategy, that the granting of the Appeal would be in conflict with.  Also highlighted is the decline in the need for gravel, recycling and the preferred sites available yet to be exploited, together with the impacts on Biodiversity and Quality of Life for local residents.

The NFDC, HERITAGE and Milford Parish Council have also made representations in response to the letter.

Despite the HCC submissions at the Strategy Inquiry that there was a sufficient minerals landbank to 2016, HCC are currently finalising a draft Minerals and Waste Plan which is due to go to public consultation in October, which may well include Downton, Yeatton and/or Lea Green Farms as Preferred Sites for mineral extraction and landfill.  In a recent meeting with an HCC representative, attended by DAMAGE, HERITAGE and Milford Parish Council, our fears were confirmed by the admission that if only one of these farms were approved for development, the rest would follow.

Given that it is acknowledged by HCC and the Minerals Industry that the main market for gravel from South West Hampshire is East Dorset and that the Appellant has opened a new gravel quarry at Hurn Court Farm by Bournemouth Airport with reserves of 1.8million tonnes and excellent highway access, there is no need for additional gravel sites other than for commercial gain.

DAMAGE is again fighting to keep local farms out of the Preferred Site listing in the Draft Plan, which if developed for minerals and landfill would blight the Milford, Downton, Everton and Hordle area for decades to come, if not permanently.  DAMAGE is also aware that the NFDC rezoned the Appellants Caird Avenue site for housing and commercial development.  The Appellant supported the rezoning and is in discussions with HCC on a relocation of their operations.  Approval of one of our local farms could provide an attractive alternative site for the Hansen plc owned New Milton Sand and Ballast Company.

DAMAGE funded professional representation at the Public Inquiry which cost in excess of £40,000, raised by public donations from residents and local business.  We need further funding to support the ongoing battle and donations are again being sought, we have to win every battle, the Appellant has only to win once.

James Sey, on behalf of the Committee of DAMAGE

April 2007 - PUBLIC INQUIRY

The Appeal by New Milton Sand & Ballast on the rejection of their application for gravel extraction at “Downton Manor Farm” takes place at 10am on April 17th to the 24th , at the Lyndhurst Park Hotel,

Residents are invited to attend the Inquiry, particularly on the 17th and support the evidence being presented by DAMAGE on your behalf opposing the appeal, by a barrister and expert witness funded by your donations.

Should the appeal be granted by the Inspector for what is an alleged small scale extraction operation, it will open the door to further applications to expand the operations at Downton Manor Farm and on the neighbouring Yeatton and Lea Green Farms to the north and east, the owners of which have advised HCC of their interest in the extraction of gravel from their land.

Residents should note that New Milton Sand & Ballast processing site at Caird Avenue in New Milton, has been re-zoned by the NFDC for housing and commercial development. DAMAGE leaves residents to draw their own conclusions as to where the processing site is likely to be relocated, should the above Appeal be successful.

The Committee of D.A.M.A.G.E.

April 2007 - Letter to Lymington Times 10th April 2007
Public Inquiry on Downton Manor Farm

The HCC refusal to grant planning permission for gravel extraction in 2005, to New Milton Sand & Ballast at Downton Manor Farm, is to be reviewed by an Inspector from the Secretary of State commencing at 10am on April 17 th , at the Lyndhurst Park Hotel. Residents can attend the proceedings over the 6 days it is likely to last and may be allowed to speak on the first day.

New Milton Sand & Ballast in their Downton Manor Farm website, attempt to portray the extraction of gravel at Downton Manor Farm, as a benefit to local residents and DAMAGE as, and I quote: “ An opposition group (which ) has raised fears and caused a great deal of anxiety in the community by disseminating wrong assumptions and incorrect information with no factual basis.”

The facts as obtained from HCC under the freedom of information act, are that New Milton Sand and Ballast are intent on the extraction of gravel and landfill not only from Downton Manor Farm, but also Yeatton Farm with the active participation of the owners. This will involve a conveyor system under the A337 linking the two sites. It is also revealed that a representative for the owner of Lea Green Farm, adjacent to both Downton and Yeatton Farms, has written to HCC requesting that Lea Green Farm be: “ considered as a future minerals site ”.

The only significant green belt land on the A337 between the Poole/Bournemouth conurbation and Lymington, is the stretch between New Milton and Lymington. This area is under threat, as the minerals industry and/or local landowners have their eyes on Ashley Manor Farm New Milton and Downton Manor, Yeatton and Lea Green Farms in the Milford area. The intention is to obtain approval by HCC for mineral extraction and landfill on these sites, with sundry other local farms in the Hordle/Everton area as possible targets for the future. Why? For commercial gain, at the expense of the environment and the quality of life of the local populace. Do we want our green and tranquil landscape turned into another Avon Valley, this time with people?

Furthermore if that were not enough, we understand that New Milton Sand & Ballast did not oppose the recent NFDC re-zoning of their current processing site off Caird Avenue in New Milton, for housing and commercial development. No prizes for guessing where the new processing site could well end up.

New Milton Sand & Ballast are on record as above in that they consider DAMAGE as “ disseminating wrong assumptions and incorrect information with no factual basis.” We therefore look forward to observing their attempts to refute the above facts, which form part of the comprehensive DAMAGE evidence, being presented at the Public Inquiry.

Jim Sey, on behalf of the Committee of D.A.M.A.G.E.

19th July 2006

WE WON...AGAIN! This time a unanimous vote in our favour. However we only live to fight another day as we have the Public Inquiry next year to fight and I believe it will be expensive to get the right level of representation. Best regards and thank you for your continuing support without which, our efforts would be of no avail.
Jim Sey, on behalf of the Committee of DAMAGE.

July 2006

Public Inquiry

The Secretary of State has granted New Milton Sand & Ballast leave to appeal against last October's refusal of planning. It will be a full Public Inquiry and DAMAGE will be representing residents at the Inquiry. However it would be helpful if residents who objected to the last application and the current re-application to be heard on the 19th of July, would write with 3 copies of any further comments that they may have to:
Planning Inspectorate, 3/19 Eagle, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN Quoting Appeal Ref/APP/Q1700/A/06/201483
There is a deadline of July 17th for comments

May 2006

Here we go again!

New Milton Sand & Ballast filed a re-application for the extraction of gravel from Downton Manor Farm. Those residents that objected to the last planning application will have received letters advising of the new application an appeal to the Secretary of State, against HCC refusal on October 19th 2005, to grant planning permission to extract gravel from Downton Manor Farm.
The re-application includes a comprehensive document disputing any adverse impact on the local economy (due to the proximity to Shorefields) and cites other similar developments that they claim have not had a detrimental impact as claimed by DAMAGE at the hearing at which the planning application was rejected.

It is essential that all residents not in favour of turning the Downton, Milford & Everton area progressively into one large gravel quarry, write not just one letter per household but from each resident, stating their objections once again. The objections can be a re-statement of those expressed in a previous letter, but the impact on the local economy should be prominent and should the impact on the environment. The letters should be received by MAY 27th 2006, by:

Mr Richard Read, Environment Department,
HCC, The Castle, Winchester,
Hampshire SO23 8UD

IF YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE, YOU NEED TO WRITE YOUR OBJECTION LETTER
DO IT NOW PLEASE - DON’T PUT IT OFF!

A totally separate issue which will regrettably in due course, require additional letters of objection, at a date to be advised by letter.

New Milton Sand & Ballast have simultaneously filed an appeal to the Secretary of State, against the rejection of the last planning application by the Regulatory Committee on the 19th of October 2005.

The procedure is that the appeal can be dealt with in 1of 3 ways:
• By written representation
• By informal hearing
• By a formal public inquiry (as in 1994)
NMS&B have requested that it be dealt with by informal hearing, which would not normally be appropriate where there is considerable public controversy, as in this case. The inspector will decide the route, however it would seem appropriate that it will be a full Public Inquiry and HCC are likely to support this, due to the 1200 letters of objection by residents.

HCC will inform residents (who objected in 2005) and DAMAGE, formally by letter if/when the request of the appeal is accepted and the method of handling is determined. In the letter will be details as to how to respond and DAMAGE will be registered as a statutory 3rd party to the appeal to represent residents.

The Committee of D.A.M.A.G.E.

March 2006

It was announced in the Christchurch Echo last week that new Milton Sand & Ballast had started work on extracting 2 million tonnes of gravel from a farmland site opposite Hurn (Bournemouth) Airport in Dorset. The timescale is over 10 to 12 years. The local residents had objected to the planning application but the site which was earmarked as a preferred site for gravel extraction in 1996 , was granted detailed planning approval by DCC in 2002. The extraction will mean 70 truck movements per day in the local area and it is reported that "large swathes of hedgerow have already been ripped out for the workings". Mr Michael Badcock is reported as saying that "the work would be carried out to minimise environmental impact and comply with noise limits, vehicle movements and working hours set by the county council"....of course local residents are therefore reassured, that the 70 truck movements per day, noise, dust and general upset, are by definition, then an acceptable burden to bear! There is a statement that no landfill will be imported to the site...watch this space in the coming years to see whether or not this is the case.

Whilst the additional gravel being extracted does in a small way assist in debunking the continual "shortage of gravel and it has to come from somewhere" trumpet we have heard so often, it is not in the HCC area. This announcement just underscores the need for vigilance and implacable determination to oppose any proposals, however superficially benign, to extract gravel from the area of the three communities.

Jim Sey, Chairman

December 2005

At the public meeting held in the village hall at 1930 on December 13th as advertised in the Lymington Times and in 5 shops, Post Offices, Parish Council offices and businesses locally, the following committee was elected unanimously:
Chairman: Jim Sey. Vice Chairman: Richard Poole. Treasurer: John Richards.
Committee members:
Chris Beeton, Alistair Beeton, Simon Pollock, David Wansborough.
The Parish council liaison with the committee will be as before, Bob Bishop.
Sincere thanks are due to the Parish Council for the use of the hall facility for the evening.
Jim Sey, Chairman

October 2005

D.A.M.A.G.E, together with local HCC Councillors, the NFDC, Milford Parish Council, local business representatives and residents generally, won a notable victory today October 19th 2005, by persuading the Regulatory Committee of HCC to disregard the recommendation from the Chief Planning Advisor to the Committee to approve the Downton Manor Farm application, rejecting it by 6 votes to 5.

Approximately 60 residents attended the meeting by coach and car to hear representations from the following people and the ensuing debate was an excellent example of local government working as it should and at its best. The councillors listening to the representations, weighing up the arguments and coming to a sensible decision, even when it conflicts with the professional opinions and recommendations of the Planning Department.

Mel Kendall, leader of NFDC...against the application
Jim Sey, DAMAGE...against the application
Bob Bishop, Milford Parish Council...against the application
Michael Pemberton, councillor NFDC...against the application
John Phillips, resident...against the application
Simon Pollock, Shorefield country Park...against the application
John Salmon, New Milton Sand & Ballast...for the application
Allan Rice, HCC Councillor...against the application

The speakers dealt with different aspects of the application and how if approved, would adversley impact their area of concern and all spoke well. Mr Salmon in his presentation supporting the application, asserted that gravel workings can happily co-exist with tourism and cited THORPE PARK as a successful example. He also stated that "we should TRUST New Milton Sand & Ballast as there would be NO NOISE OR DUST FROM THE WORKINGS".

The Committee rejected the application by 6 votes to 5, so we can look forward to an appeal against the decision sometime soon. The Committee Councillors Evans (Lymington) and Gillet (Havant) were the driving force in opposing the application in very strong terms over-riding the deferrment of decision proposals being bandied about. The importance of tourism and the implications for local businesses were the decisive factor in the decision. HCC Councillors Allan Rice and Mel Kendall with NFDC's Michael Pemberton, were strong in their opposition to the application.

We have won this round and notably it is the first time NMS&B have had an application rejected on the site. The have been careful to withdraw the application in the past, when rejection seemed likely. However we will have to fight again and soon no doubt as they can appeal to the Secretary of State and in any case the site will undoubtedly be in the 2006 draft Minerals and Waste Development Framework as a preferred site. The planners had their recommendations to the Regulatory Committee overturned yesterday (twice as it happens), which doesn't happen often and it can't have been one of their better days.

Jim Sey, Chairman on behalf of the Committee of D.A.M.A.G.E.

October 2005

The HCC Planning Department have recommended approval of the application to the Regulatory Committee meeting to be held on the 19th October at Winchester.

DAMAGE, Milford Parish Council nor your councillors can hope to succeed on Wednesday, unless we can demonstrate a show of support by residents attending the meeting, either by coach, see below for details, or by car.

October 2005

Residents note that the New Milton Sand & Ballast application to extract gravel is to be reviewed by the Regulatory Committee on:

Wednesday October 19th at 10am in the Conference Room, Ashburton Court, The Castle, Winchester

If any member of the public wishes to speak at the hearing they should advise of their intent to:
Lindsay Hawke-Davis, HCC, The Castle, Winchester SO23 8UJ, Tel: 01962 847333

As a good turnout of residents can influence beneficially the committee members decision, DAMAGE has booked a coach for any residents wishing to attend:

Wednesday October 19th Sea Road car park, Milford, at 0815 for Winchester
Leaving Winchester at around noon for Milford

The 49 seat coach will be paid for by DAMAGE from funds already raised, but a voluntary contribution of between £5 and £10 per head be appreciated and would help to offset the costs involved. Parking at Milford should be in the long term (rear half) of the car park.

A preliminary list of names wishing to attend was raised at the Milford Parish Council meeting on the 3rd, but there are plenty of seats left on a first come basis. Please respond by e-mail or on 01590 643261, if wishing to come to allow me to keep track of numbers.

Jim Sey, of behalf of the DAMAGE Committee

September 2005

The Regulatory Committee of HCC will hear the NMS&B application on October the 19th and they will conduct a site visit at Downton Manor Farm at 10am on Monday the 3rd of October. There is no reason why the public cannot participate although groups must have a spokesman. Jim Sey will speak on behalf of DAMAGE.

Participants are invited to, "comment only on the physical features of the proposal and not discuss the merits of the application" quote/unquote.

The Milford Parish Council are holding a meeting on the planning application at 7pm in the village hall also on Monday the 3rd of October, (library in Milford) and all are welcome to participate.

Finally, the New Milton Sand & Ballast application to extract gravel from the site is to be heard at Winchester by the Regulatory Committee on Wednesday October 19th. Any resident wishing to attend must register their intentions with the Committee clerk on 01962 847333.

The current phase of the long drawn out application is drawing to a close therefore on the 19th, lets make success difficult for NMS&B by having a good representation at both events. A total of 1,231 letters of objection to the proposed application (and by omission it is assumed nil in support), have been received by HCC from residents.

August 2005

Click here to see the half page advertisment that appears in the Lymington Times. (It is an Adobe file so you will need Adobe Reader on your computer - you can get it free from here if you do not have it already.)

July 2005

The notification which appeared on this website in June of the withdrawal of the Downton Manor Farm gravel extraction application has proven to be somewhat premature. The June 2005 notice received from HCC applies to the 2003 Waste Recycling Application which was withdrawn in 2004, although objectors are only now being formally advised by letter. The earliest that the current application can be heard by the Regulatory Committee of HCC is now September 7th.

March 2005

The Downton Manor Farm application earliest hearing date with the Regulatory Committee has been moved back for yet another month, the fifth such reschedule as the HCC planners are still awaiting a response to questions and concerns raised on the application. The next "earliest date" for a hearing is April 27th.

February 2005

The concerns raised by DAMAGE with the HCC planners are presumably included in a number of questions raised by HCC with New Milton Sand & Ballast Ltd and are we understand to date unanswered. Subject to answers being received very soon, the earliest that the application can be heard by the Regulatory Committee of HCC is the 23rd of March. should this be the case, DAMAGE will be represented at the review meeting. In the event of yet another delay by NMS&B in responding with information to HCC, DAMAGE will continue to monitor events closely.

December 2004

Both the Milford Parish Council and the NFDC requested that the New Milton Sand & Ballast Ltd application to extract gravel from Downton Manor Farm, be rejected. However as the decision lies with HCC, whilst support for rejection is helpful and very welcome, HCC will take their own view on whether to approve or not.

DAMAGE has now retained the services of minerals and waste consultants, PRO VISION of Winchester, to represent DAMAGE and the interests of residents who wish to oppose the DMF application. As a result, a number of issues have been raised with the HCC planners by letter on behalf of DAMAGE, which includes the following observations:

• “we consider that the proposed scheme is technically deficient as well as being contrary to both national and local planning policies”
• “the proposals are considered to represent a departure from the (current HCC Minerals & Waste) development plan”
• “the flat nature of the local landscape would compromise the openness of the Green Belt and hence the proposals represented inappropriate development”
• “the proposed scheme would represent inappropriate development in Green Belt”
• “It is therefore considered that, in line with the guidance in PPG254, the applicants should have prepared a Flood Risk Assessment to demonstrate that the proposed scheme would not cause or exacerbate flooding problems in the locality. Without such an assessment, the application should be refused.”
• “In summary, we consider that the applicants have failed to demonstrate that the proposed scheme meets the requirements of the MWLP in so much as:
(a) they have not demonstrated that there is an overriding need that cannot be met from within the preferred areas; and
(b) they have not demonstrated that development of the site would be equally acceptable to working within a preferred area.

DAMAGE has in addition taken issue with the statement in the in “Non technical summary-7-Traffic” in the planning application, which states the following:

“The police accident record in the immediate vicinity of the site access shows that there have been no accidents over the last 7 years. Over a 5km length of the A337, centred on the proposed site access, there have been 59 accidents in 7 years.”

DAMAGE obtained a copy of the police accident records (where injury has resulted), for the same period and the reality is somewhat different from what New Milton Sand & Ballast would have HCC and the public believe. The consultant has raised the conflicting data with the HCC planners of behalf of DAMAGE and quoting the following:

• The data is revealing in that it shows of the 59 accidents that have occurred over the last 7 years over a 5km stretch of the A337 (as detailed in the applicants Transport Assessment) 22% of these accidents have occurred in the 500metre stretch to the West of the proposed site entrance whilst 29% i.e. Nearly one third, have occurred in the 1km stretch centred on the proposed site access.”
• “It would seem clear that in the area that could be reasonably regarded as being within the “immediate vicinity” of the proposed site access i.e. 500metre either side of it, there have been a considerable number of accidents and it is utterly misleading for the applicants to suggest that it is not the case.”

The HCC Regulatory Committee hearing for the application has as a result been delayed yet again, happily now not in early January with the attendant mailing and contact difficulties over the holiday period. The hearing date is now provisionally on February 16th and DAMAGE will lobby each and every one of the 29 Councillors who sit on the committee, prior to the hearing, assuming that the planners do not reject the application which, for the above reasons, they undoubtedly should. The only councillor who lives locally is Mrs Patricia Banks of Keyhaven, DAMAGE will report on how she votes on the application and local residents can subsequently conclude whether she has acted in the interests of the three communities most affected by the application, should it be approved.

If DAMAGE wins the argument and the planners or Councillors throw out the application, it is very likely that NMS&B will appeal and force a Public Inquiry as they did in 1994, in concert with other predatory interests with land or options to extract gravel from land, in our area. So the fight is a long way from over should we be successful in the first instance, watch this site for developments in 2005!

DAMAGE is funded solely by donations from local residents and business. The Committee give of their time, expertise, car use and postal costs involved in the campaign, totally free of any charge or remuneration and would not have it otherwise. Indeed this website is totally funded by a local resident, as is his expertise on IT matters. Consultants, newsletter copying and so on, all costs money and if we are to succeed, your donations are essential, as many of you have already understood. If you haven’t donated as yet, or wish to make a further donation, please make cheques payable to “DAMAGE” and send to Richard Poole at 14 Studland Drive, Milford-on-Sea SO41 0QQ.

Finally the Committee of DAMAGE wish all residents and local businesses a very merry Christmas and best wishes for 2005. We would not exclude New Milton Sand & Ballast in our wishes for a successful 2005, but without planning approval for Downton Manor Farm please.

October 2004

NEWSFLASH NEWSFLASH NEWSFLASH NEWSFLASH NEWSFLASH NEWSFLASH NEWSFLASH
The NFDC Planning Committee have unanimously rejected the New Milton Sand & Ballast Planning Application for Gravel Extraction at Downton Manor Farm". The Lymington Times reported in their front page article on October 16th that the "Forest Planners back gravel objectors" and "that the development and the potential environmental harm was not justified by the need for gravel and (the application) failed to provide a reason to depart from policy". The leader of the NFDC and local member Councillor Mel Kendall said "There is unease that these sort of applications will proliferate on the edge of the National Park". He promised "We will be quite rigorous in implementing our local plan that protects land from this sort of development"

October 2004

D.A.M.A.G.E NEWSLETTER
(Downton And Milford Against Gravel Extraction)
Urgent and Important Information for Milford, Everton and Downton Residents
Note: The 2003 Application for Waste Recycling has been withdrawn due to protest from residents.
NEW MILTON SAND & BALLAST Ltd
( NEW ) PLANNING APPLICATION NUMBER 082483

“DOWNTON MANOR FARM (on A337 East of Downton)
EXTRACTION OF SAND & GRAVEL, CONSTRUCTING A VEHICLE ACCESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL BANKS, RESTORATION TO LAKES, WOODLAND AND AGRICULTURAL FIELDS”
The Application can be seen at the NFDC OFFICES in LYNDHURST or LYMINGTON.
• IS THIS AN APPROPRIATE DEVELOPMENT ON A GREEN FIELD SITE CLOSE TO THREE RURAL COMMUNITIES?
• CAN WE ACCEPT SITE NOISE FROM 7AM TO 5PM, MONDAY TO FRIDAY?
• CAN WE ACCEPT THE DUST AND DEBRIS CONTAMINATION ?
• THE A337 SITE ACCESS WILL CAUSE EASTBOUND HGV TRAFFIC TO STOP FOR RIGHT TURN ON TO SITE, WHAT WILL BE THE RESULT AT THE ROYAL OAK JUNCTION OF THE INEVITABLE TAILBACKS?
• WILL IT AFFECT LOCAL TOURISM AND VILLAGE ECONOMY ?
• WHERE WILL THE ‘LAKES’ DRAIN TO AND WILL IT INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR FLOODING AT MILFORD ?
• WILL MOSQUITOES FIND THE LAKES AN IDEAL AND PROLIFIC BREEDING GROUND ?
• WILL OTHER LOCAL OWNERS OF LAND ON THE A337 SEEK APPROVAL FOR GRAVEL EXTRACTION, IF THE NMS&B APPLICATION IS APPROVED, (REF. THE 1994 PUBLIC INQUIRY) ?
• THERE ARE SOME EARLY INDICATIONS THAT IT WILL AFFECT LOCAL PROPERTY VALUES. IS THIS ACCEPTABLE AND DOES IT AFFECT YOUR RIGHTS AS SET OUT IN ARTICLES 8¹ AND 1², OF THE EUROPEAN CONVENTION ON HUMAN RIGHTS ? (¹the right to privacy and ²peaceful enjoyment of your possessions)

Residents views on the Planning Application should reach HCC by the now extended deadline of 12th November 2004,
Your letters, stating whether or not you support New Milton Sand & Gravel’s application quoting the application number and summarizing your reasons, should be sent to:
ENVIRONMENT DIRECTORATE (Attn Mr R Read), HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL, THE CASTLE, WINCHESTER, HANTS SO23 8UD. Copies also please to Mr SMITH, NFDC Development Control, Appletree Court, Lyndhurst SO43 7PA and our Parish Office 2 Park Road, Milford-on-Sea, SO41 0QU.

For more information and advice DAMAGE will be in THE RED LION in Milford on Saturday morning October 23rd from 10am to 12 noon, when we will be able to answer your questions on the Application and the likely impacts on the three communities.

On behalf of the Committee of D.A.M.A.G.E.

April 2004

The Southern Echo and the Lymington Times weekending April 3rd both published articles commenting that NMS&B have withdrawn the DMF application. The perfunctory planning application which did not conform to HCC's planning guidelines was we assume designed to go through with the minimum of publicity and fuss and DAMAGE stopped that, by pointing this out to the planners, hence their requirement for the application to be withdrawn.

However, we must be particularly vigilant for the new application which is inevitable and we can be sure that this will happen later this year, probably in the holiday season when most folks attention is elsewhere. If they delay beyond this year, it may well be to also apply for gravel extraction. With our good relations at Milford Parish Council and elsewhere, there is little hope that it will slip by unnoticed and next time the local press cannot ignore the new application as a "non story" as they did in the Autumn of 2003.

Next time around, we will need to notify all householders in Downton, Milford and Everton of the application as last time, and also request that the Milford Parish Council and the NFDC Planning Department is also copied on the objection letters. We cannot stress enough the need to object yet again to the new application when filed with HCC!

DAMAGE will be retaining professional advice in countering the next application by NMS&B on the DMF site, as undoubtedly the developers will not be so cavalier in the content of the application next time.

January 2004

Downton Manor Farm.planning application no. 79324 ."Change of use to a Waste Recycling Facility"

The above application submitted by New Milton Sand & Ballast Ltd (NMS&B), has been vigorously opposed by DAMAGE, Milford Parish Council, the New Forest District Council, Councillor Allan Rice, local businesses and some 800+ residents of Downton, Everton and Milford. Owners and weekend residents together with the management of Shorefield, are also among the objectors to the application.

The situation at the end of 2003, is that the application is not acceptable in its present form to the Planning Department of Hampshire County Council (HCC) and a number of issues require additional information to be submitted by NMS&B and may even be in the form of a revised application before withdrawal of the original. Residents should be aware that a new or a resubmitted application, will require further objection letters from residents and at some point, will come before a Regulatory Committee of 27 Councillors for approval or rejection. The Councillors are resident throughout Hampshire, the only local Councillor being Mrs Patricia Banks of Keyhaven. DAMAGE will be represented at the meeting when the application is eventually heard and we trust that Mrs Banks will oppose the application.

The application is for a change of use of farm buildings to a waste recycling facility, which is to run 6 days per week 7am to 6pm, however NMS&B have stated in their literature to selected residents, that it is also their intention to seek approval for gravel extraction on the Downton Farm Site. There is little doubt that Downton Manor Farm will be a preferred site for gravel extraction in the new Draft HCC Minerals and Waste Plan, due for release for consultation in 2005. In the 1992 draft stage of the current Minerals and Waste Plan, not only was Downton Manor Farm included, but Leagreen Farm to the South of the A337 was also included. The two farmland areas were excluded from the final version of the 1994 Minerals and Waste Plan, only after a two year campaign of opposition orchestrated by DAMAGE and made possible by the strong support and financial backing of local residents and businesses.

A statement in the local press on January 10 th , attributed to HCC Chief Planning Advisor, justified the Marchwood Quarry 4 year extension to an area not approved for gravel extraction in the current Plan as, "that although not a preferred area and despite moving the work closer to homes, there was a need for further sand and gravel reserves in Hampshire" . This message, together with the planned closure of the Efford Tip in 2007 and the reported comments of the HCC solicitor at the Sway Waste Transfer Station Public Inquiry, regarding, "the advantages of Downton Manor Farm for waste recycling" , when the planning application is still unapproved, clearly signals the intention to move, not only recycling but also the total Efford gravel extraction and landfill operation to Downton by 2007.

RESIDENTS SHOULD BE IN NO DOUBT THAT SHOULD THE RECYCLING FACILITY AT DOWNTON BE APPROVED, THAT THE CASE FOR SUBSEQUENT APPLICATIONS FOR GRAVEL EXTRACTION IN THE FIELDS BOUNDED BY DOWNTON LANE AND BARNES LANE TO THE A337, WILL BE CONSIDERABLY STRENGTHENED. IT IS ONLY A SMALL AND LOGICAL STEP THEN, TO RELOCATE ALSO THE EFFORD TIP HOUSEHOLD REFUSE AND BLACK BAG DISPOSAL.WHERE ELSE WILL IT GO AFTER 2007? THE MARCHWOOD INCINERATOR WILL HANDLE ONLY A PERCENTAGE OF THE AREA'S REFUSE!

DAMAGE will oppose any and all planning applications for waste recycling and/or gravel extraction on farmlands between Milford and the A337 and intends to engage professional help in doing so. Accordingly a fundraising campaign is necessary and some generous donations have already been received.

D.A.M.A.G.E. Committee

November 17th 2003

Reference: Planning Application number 79324, change of use, Downton Manor Farm.

• The NFDC have objected to the application on the grounds of "being unsuitable in a Green Belt area and not in the current HCC Minerals and Waste Plan".

• The reported statements in the Nov. 15th Lymington Times from a Mr Burns, a Barrister representing HCC at the Sway Waste Transfer Station Inquiry, cited the reason for HCC rejecting the Farwell planning application was that the planning application for Downton Manor Farm was far more suitable. He gave the advantages of the DMF site as "not being in the New Forest and the National park, the A337 being better suited to the resulting traffic and the need to protect the beautiful and rural nature of the area". Mr Burns appears to consider Downton not to qualify as a beautiful and rural area.

• Concerns arising from Mr Burns reported statements, have been raised with the Planning Department at HCC requesting clarification of a situation that seems to suggest that a decision has already been made.

• Councillor Alan Rice is working with DAMAGE to set up a public meeting with HCC planners and New Milton S&B.now urgent given the Sway Inquiry comments.

• The open day at Efford Tip hosted by New Milton S&B to show the current recycling operation was an honest affair, albeit running on soft and therefore quiet material, when crushed. The display boards showing "what we do" again was a fair illustration of material recycling, gravel extraction and waste landfill with lots of seagulls hovering over the household rubbish being piled up by a very large bulldozer.

• The Managing Director of New Milton S&B confirmed to DAMAGE that they were lobbying HCC to have Downton Manor Farm included in the Minerals and Waste Plan due out in 2005. Indeed the printed handout on the open day also stated their intention to extract gravel at Downton Manor farm. It is also stated that the recycling and gravel extraction were unrelated activities, but there is no doubt that approval of the former will facilitate approval of the latter.

• Whether the current planning application is approved or not, it is clear that we are in for a long haul which will span several years.

Jim Sey, Chairman of D.A.M.A.G.E.

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November 3rd 2003

The DMF planning application will now be heard on January 7th 2003 at earliest. This is due to further information being required by the Planning Dept. of HCC and doubtless reflects some of the issues raised by residents and DAMAGE, in what was a flawed application. If there are substantial changes, eg provision of more detailed drawings etc, there will have to be a further notification in the press and a corresponding delay for further objections.

The number of objection letters received by HCC is well in excess of 700. It looks like they have stopped counting them for the moment.

Milford Parish Council planning committee is opposed the DMF planning application.

NFDC Planning committee heard the proposal on October 31st and we are awaiting to hear of the outcome.

New Milton Sand and Ballast have invited certain residents to an open day at their recycling plant at Efford on November 15th, between 9am and 3pm. Damage sees no reason why any resident, invited or not to go and we will be encouraging as many people to go as possible.

DAMAGE have requested a public meeting with the HCC Planners and Peter Chadwick has agreed to this at a date to be agreed, probably late November.

DAMAGE will be distributing fairly soon, a news letter to residents giving an update on the situation and urging all those who haven't yet objected by letter, to do so.

The DAMAGE website is up and running courtesy of one of our residents, Laurence Prestage. It is worth a visit albeit still under construction...www.dam-age.co.uk .

Their will another morning stall on the Milford Green to allow residents to take up any issues with the DAMAGE committee on November 15th, between 9.30am to noon. We will also endeavour to solicit e-mail addresses and encourage attendance at the Efford open day.

Jim Sey, Chairman

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September 2003

Urgent and Important Information for Milford, Everton and Downton Residents

As a local resident and householder, your attention is drawn to a planning application filed with Hampshire County Council by New Milton Sand and Ballast Ltd, for change of use of agricultural buildings at Downton Manor Farm (on south side of the A337 between Barnes Lane and Downton Lane), to a waste recycling facility.

The planning application which is available for inspection at the Lymington Town Hall, acknowledges the fact that the Efford Tip is to close by 2007. The replacement site for the processing of waste from East Bournemouth, Christchurch, new Milton, The New Forest and West Southampton, is to be Downton Manor Farm, situated on the A337 between Barnes Lane and Downton Lane, south to the top end of Blackbush Road and Tinleys Nursery. The processing site will operate, it is said, 6 days a week from 7am to 6pm and will involve in addition to household, commercial and building waste, will also involve the machine crushing of rubble with the resultant noise above what is permissible in factories without ear protection being worn. However we must assume that the site will be open to the public as at Efford, 7 days a week and including Bank holidays. As Hampshire County Council are currently about to launch their "Proposed Material Resources Strategy", there is no doubt that should New Milton Sand & Ballast be successful in their application at Downton Manor Farm, then a subsequent planning application for gravel extraction and substituting waste not suitable for recycling, will be a formality.

We believe that it is in the interests of local residents to object to the planning application before October 11th to the address below and quoting the reference number.

The grounds for objection are a matter on concern for the individual, however the obvious issues may be considered to be:

• Waste Recycling is not an acceptable activity in a quiet rural and popular holiday area.

• Property values in the 3 communities will inevitably be severely impacted, with those at the top end of Downton Lane and Barnes Lane becoming "unsaleable", at a realistic value.

• Noise pollution.

• The site access to the East of Downton Lane on the busy A337 will cause the eastbound HGV traffic to stop for a right turn on to the site, causing tailbacks as happens at Efford, through Downton to the bend in the road at the end of the fast section from New Milton, ie, a major traffic hazard.

• Contamination of the surrounding areas with dust and windblown waste debris.

• Increased traffic on the A337 to the west of Pennington.

• The local economy which depends on tourism to support local shops and businesses, will be adversely affected if the area becomes unattractive.

If you wish the eyesore that is the Efford recycling centre and gravel pit, relocated to between Barnes Lane and Downton Lane with the attending devaluation of local property values, please ignore this letter and do nothing. D.A.M.A.G.E. can and will fight this application, but cannot be effective without the same level of support from residents that was given some 10 years ago, when we successfully fought the HCC Draft Minerals and Waste Plan which included the Downton Manor Farm site.

Objections to the change of use of the Downton Manor Farm buildings to a waste recycling facility, should be sent to:

The Director Of the Environment,
Attn. Judith Smallman, Ref. Planning Application 79324
The Castle, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 8UD

Jim Sey, Chairman of D.A.M.A.G.E.

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