Controversial waste recycling centre at Three Maids Hill near Winchester to be built after appeal

Hampshire County Council had refused plans in January 2021 for the five-acre centre on farmland at Three Maids Hill between the A272 and A34.

But TMR South Coast appealed and inspector Nick Palmer has supported their appeal.

The centre, which will handle 75 HGV movements a day and handle 75,000 tonnes of waste a year on a five-acre site, is set to open in 2023.

The initial plan was contentious with opponents saying the noise and dust impact was unacceptable. It attracted around 200 objections.

Mr Palmer's report said that at appeal "the county council has agreed that there would be no unacceptable dust impacts from the proposal. The Council has also agreed that appropriate evidence on noise impact was provided by the appellant and has not questioned the appellant’s conclusions on that evidence."

He said fears of dust pollution were over-stated. "The appellant has demonstrated that the development has been designed to prevent any escape of dust. The internal circular haul road would limit vehicle speeds and the need for manoeuvring of vehicles. Dust suppression measures would be used on the haul road and on the plant to be operated. Water for this would be obtained from a bore hole within the site."

Mr Palmer said the woodland around the site and proposed bunding would limit the escape of dust and that any noise created would not alarm horses grazing at the stud. There are already firing ranges at Sir John Moore Barracks and nearby motocross.

"I take into account that horses are more sensitive to noise than humans and may take flight if they perceive sudden noise to be dangerous. However, for the reasons given it is unlikely that any noise generated from the proposed development would adversely affect the health and well-being of horses."

Littleton Stud, only 100 yards away, had strongly objected, saying the plan jeopardised its staff and horses.

Stud manager David Bowe said: "We put our case as vehemently as we could but sadly it did not work. We are not reassured and our concerns are still valid but at the end of the day time will tell.

"The operator has assured us dust and noise pollution wont happen but I find that difficult to accept - it is open works and there's going to be traffic in and out and they are crushing concrete.

"We will continue and hopefully it will not affect us. We are not against people plying their trade, we are not Nimbys."

The centre would serve the Winchester district. There are already inert waste facilities in this area at Down Farm, Spitfire Link and Four Dell Farm but with no comparable facility to the one at Three Maids Hill. "The site is located to supply aggregates to planned infrastructure projects such as improvement to the M3 motorway and expansion of Southampton Airport."

READ MORE: Three Maids Hill recycling plant decision appealed

Mr Palmer said alternative sites at Eastleigh Works was too close to housing and road access was difficult to Micheldever Sidings.

All vehicles will be routed to the site via the A34 and A272.

Mr Palmer stated: "I have concluded that the development would accord with the development plan as a whole and that there would be no unacceptable harm. The development would provide benefits in terms of sustainable waste management, the circular economy and biodiversity net gain. All of these considerations clearly indicate that the appeal should be allowed."

The operating hours will be 7am-6pm Mondays to Fridays and 7am-1pm on Saturdays.

County councillor Jackie Porter said: "The appeal inspector concentrated on the potential impact of the site on Littleton Stud, but at the county council meeting, we pointed out the impact of traffic too, particularly on the minor roads.

"I'm pleased that the inspector agreed that the A34 route will be the route to be used and in para 34 of his report, the inspector agrees that there is a special need for this location as it is expected to support major building projects on the M3/A34 corridor. Residents who are already affected by night time traffic on the Andover Road are worried, and so I'm pleased that the hours of operation will be restricted by agreement."

City councillor Patrick Cunningham, who represents the area and lives in Littleton, said: "We are very, very disappointed. All three local councillors are distraught that the appeal could have gone against the county council's well thought-out and reasoned refusal.

"There is going to be a supervisory panel which is the only bright spark, to make sure the operator follow the conditions."

Cllr Cunningham said although there are conditions that lorries will only use the A272 and A34, he thinks vehicles will also use Andover Road.

Now local people are preparing to oppose plans for an anaerobic digester near the Three Maids Hill site. A planning application is expected soon and a public exhibition was held at Littleton Millennium Hall on Thursday, July 14.

Cllr Cunningham added: "It seems to be open season for development in north Winchester."

Tom Rutledge, managing director, TMR South Coast Group Ltd, said: "We are very happy with the outcome of the appeal and feel it was well deserved after the efforts of our team over the last few years.

"We will provide a successful recycling facility to the construction industry of Winchester and surrounding areas.

"We will be working closely with the Environment Agency and local residents to ensure the facility operates with minimal impact on the community. We hope, once conditions have been met, to have the facility open in spring 2023."

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