Frequently asked questions

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What specific areas does the Plan cover?

Parts of the Ringwood Forest that fall within Hampshire (Purple Haze is on the Hampshire side of the Hampshire-Dorset border), Portsmouth, Southampton, New Forest National Park & South Downs National Park.

 

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What did the original February Hearing involve?

At sessions over a period of typically two weeks, the Planning Inspector examined HCC's Plan. 

 

The starting point for the Examination was HCC submitting what it considered to be a sound Plan. Those seeking changes had to demonstrate why they believe the Plan is unsound by reference to one or more of the established tests of soundness as defined by law.

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What is the role of the Planning Inspector?

 There are four main roles:

 

• To consider whether the Plan has been prepared in accordance with the Duty to Co-operate, as required by Law.

 

• To consider whether the the Plan meets the legal requirements of the Law and the Town and Country Planning regulations.

 

• To consider whether the Plan is sound – justified, effective, deliverable, consistent with national policy.

 

• To carry out the Examination (of the Plan) with the objective of contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development.

 

During the sessions, the Inspector discusses submissions with those who have asked to be represented.

The Inspector considers, during and subsequent to the Hearing, whether any soundness or legal compliance problems that emerge could be addressed by modifications to the Plan.

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Who will represent Friends of Ringwood Forest at the new Hearing?

Britt Poyntz has represented Friends of Ringwood Forest – on-line.​

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Who else will make a representation against the allocation, in the Plan, of Purple Haze as a quarry site ?

A representative of East Dorset Environment Group and Verwood Town Council including Councillor Spencer Flower who has been a long-time supporter of ours.

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Is the Planning Inspector for the Secretary of State the final arbiter for the decision that Purple Haze (amongst other sites) be included in the finalised Plan, as a potential quarry site?

No. The principle outcome of the process that follows the Hearings is whether or not the Plan is sound. Included in this is the soundness of allocating particular quarry or land-fill sites – including Purple Haze – to be allocated for sand extraction in the Plan. The Plan, updated with modifications arising from the Hearing examinations, then goes through a process of adoption by the HCC full Council. Members of the public can be involved in that process.

 

If Purple Haze is allocated as a quarry site in the Plan, the quarry development can only proceed on the approval of an associated Planning Application. In other words, HCC Planning department would get to make the final decision. Only after Planning Approval, can the quarry developer, Grundon, begin excavation and infrastructure works at Purple Haze.

 

The Application is expected to be updated, following publication of a letter from the Planning Inspector to HCC laying out his comments on the September Hearing. 

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When will the Planning Inspector's report be published?

We understand it will be published by the end of 2025 with timing probably influenced by the September 2025 Public Hearing.

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Is there a deadline for publication of the Plan?

Yes. Currently the published timetable, gives Spring 2026 as the time when all authorities can adopt the Plan, as modified (or not), according to requirements or recommendations of the Planning Inspector.

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What is the earliest quarrying start if Purple Haze is included in the plan and then granted planning consent?

During the September Hearing estimates ranging between 2027 and 2028 were discussed.

 

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