Hamble Airfield Quarrying Update: Cemex Appeal

As you may now be aware, Cemex has appealed Hampshire County Council’s (HCC) decision to reject the quarrying application for Hamble Airfield. This means that a Planning Inquiry will now be held, where a planning inspector will decide whether the objections raised by HCC
are valid or can be overcome, and whether the quarry will go ahead.

This is now a legal process that is set out in government guidance – you can find out more here. To manage
this process, Hamble Parish Council and Hamble Peninsular Residents’ Group (HPC and HPRG) have joined forces and set up the Peninsular Defence Group (PDG) to represent the community in defending the appeal. We will work alongside Eastleigh Borough Council (EBC), our local planning authority, who will be giving planning advice.

What’s happened so far?

• On 22 November 2024 Cemex lodged their appeal. You can view their appeal documents here (click on the ‘Appeals’ tab)
• The Planning Inspectorate has given the Hamble Peninsular Defence Group ‘Rule 6’ status. This formal role means that we can submit evidence to the Inquiry, cross-examine witnesses, and make opening/closing statements.
• We have appointed a barrister, solicitor, and specialist consultants who will be representing us at the Cemex Appeal Inquiry. It is this experienced legal and expert team who will help decide our strategy. We hope you understand that the detail of our defence cannot be
  made public at this stage as the element of surprise is key to getting the outcome we all want.

What happens next?

• The Inquiry where Cemex’s appeal will take place is on 1-2 April 2025 – and will be heard by a planning inspector. This inspector will consider all the evidence submitted – including the 5,000+ objections made to Hampshire County Council by residents, local businesses, and other stakeholders between 2022 and 2024.
• In the meantime, a Case Management conference will take place between the planning inspector, Cemex, and the Rule 6 parties, at which point the key issues to be considered in the Inquiry will be discussed.

What can you do?

• As this will be a legal Inquiry, we will need to come together as a community to challenge this appeal effectively.
• The Parish Council has committed funds from our and your ‘council tax’ resources – but we cannot fund the defence of this appeal alone. HPRG is leading the fundraising campaign to raise the rest of the funds needed. We encourage anyone who is willing to do so
  to contribute to their GoFundMe page. Visit the ‘Hamble Against Unnecessary Development’ Facebook group for further details.
• Look out for more news on our social media profiles, website, and noticeboards around the village.