The planning appeal regarding CEMEX’s proposed quarry development at the former Hamble Airfield in Hampshire restarts today, Tuesday 24 June, running for three days at Hampshire County Council’s Winchester offices.
The Planning Inquiry represents an independent process overseen by the Planning Inspectorate. The proceedings will be conducted publicly and are accessible through live webcast streaming.
Background to the Appeal
Hampshire County Council’s Regulatory Committee rejected CEMEX’s Hamble Airfield development application in May 2024, citing three specific concerns:
- Flood risk considerations
- Highway mitigation issues
- Air quality implications
Planning officers initially recommended rejection based on flood risk and highway concerns. A subsequent objection from Natural England resulted in air quality being added as the third ground for refusal. All rejection reasons stemmed from insufficient information provided by the applicant.
The Regulatory Committee’s decision reflected the evidence and circumstances available during the original application review. Following this rejection, CEMEX lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate.
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Current Inquiry Process
The Planning Inspectorate will now determine whether to approve planning permission or uphold the appeal dismissal, considering all available evidence.
Prior to the inquiry, CEMEX submitted supplementary information addressing the original refusal grounds. Planning officers must now present an objective, factual assessment based on this updated evidence as part of their inquiry obligations.
This procedural requirement does not constitute an overturning of the Regulatory Committee’s original decision. Officers are fulfilling their statutory role within the inquiry framework. Failure to provide this updated assessment could expose the County Council to potential legal or financial risks.
The Council’s current position acknowledges that CEMEX’s additional information addresses the previously identified deficiencies that led to the original refusal.
