Planning Inquiry Commences for Disputed Quarry Project

Proposals for a quarry located on the grounds of a former private airfield are currently under examination at a planning inquiry. Brett Aggregates intends to extract up to eight million tonnes of sand and gravel over 32 years from the former Hatfield Aerodrome. Hertfordshire County Council rejected its latest plan earlier this year, prompting an appeal to be lodged with the Planning Inspectorate. On the opening day of the inquiry, it was disclosed that the council would now support the quarry’s approval “subject to the imposition of suitable conditions.” The final determination is expected from the secretary of state at the conclusion of the inquiry, which could extend for 10 days. Richard Kimblin KC, representing Brett Aggregates, informed attendees on Monday that a sufficient supply of minerals was “essential” for the government to fulfill its housing commitments. He stated, “Without mineral extraction, the social and economic benefits of new-built development cannot be delivered.” Mr. Kimblin also highlighted the site’s potential role in accepting quantities of inert waste, such as concrete and plaster. He added, “Over a million tonnes a year of residual inert waste need to be beneficially disposed of within Hertfordshire.” Mr. Kimblin warned that a quarry was necessary because by 2030 there would be “insufficient capacity to manage” the waste, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Conversely, campaigners from the Colney Heath Group urged that the quarry proposal should be rejected. Speaking for the group, Sue Meehan stated that the plan constituted “a significant threat to the character, safety and environmental integrity” of the area. She informed the hearing that the quarry’s projected sand and gravel output would be “relatively minor,” yet the environmental toll would be “substantial.” Ms. Meehan added: “The proposed extraction simply does not warrant the harm it will inflict on our local resources, environment and quality of life.” The campaigner also warned that increased traffic on the A1057 would “significantly heighten accident risks.” The application for the quarry included provisions for new access onto the road, alongside an aggregate processing plant. It was initially refused by the county council on eight grounds, which focused on the area’s green belt, heritage, residential amenity, landscape character, biodiversity, public access, highway concerns, and groundwater.