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Since the submission and consultation on a planning application concerning the development of the Boundary Hall site in Tadley for housing, the Council has been in discussion with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to understand the implications of development falling within the Detailed Emergency Planning Zone (DEPZ)) surrounding the Aldermaston Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE).
The HSE's position is to advise local authorities on the hazards arising from licensed sites such as the AWE and what factors should be taken into account when planning applications are being considered; this is ultimately in the interest of public safety.
Developments proposed up to and within 8km of the AWE Aldermarston site are subject to consultation with the HSE due to their proximity to a hazardous installation. The 8km distance is separated into inner, middle and outer zones. Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council will consult the HSE in accordance with the following procedure:
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Health and Safety Executive (who consults with the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate)
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Development within the Detailed Emergency Planning Zone (DEPZ) |
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Zone |
Distance |
Development type |
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Inner |
0 -3 km |
All residential or non residential
- Where one or more additional person may live. Work, shop (all applications save listed buildings, conservation area consent, house extensions, shop fronts, prior notifications and telecommunications). |
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Middle |
3 – 5km |
Residential accommodation or non residential accommodation exceeding 50 people.
· 20 or more dwellings;
· 1000m2 , B1
· 2,400m2 B8
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Outer |
5 – 8 km |
Residential accommodation and non residential exceeding 500 people
· 200 or more dwellings;
· 11,000m2 , B1
· 24,000m2 B8
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In respect of planning applications which are likely to lead to an increase of population, such as the building of a number of new homes, the HSE are likely to 'advise against' the development within the 'inner zone' on the basis of the residential nature of the proposal, together with its size and close proximity to the AWE site boundary. Some developments in the middle and outer zone may not be objected to. The HSE's position is set out in the attached document below.
The HSE is not suggesting that the AWE is unsafe with regards to the existing population and the HSE may not rule out future developments from taking place within the DEPZ, should certain criteria be met.
Notwithstanding the above, the HSE has recently commented on two planning applications where the development proposed sought the erection of a single dwelling house. The HSE has set out in response to a development at 13 West Street, Tadley:
'The HSE does not advise against the current planning application (BDB/71921). HSE remains concerned with any population increase within the DEPZ for AWE Aldermaston as the population already exceeds Government siting policy . Nonetheless, in the case of a single dwelling the HSE would generally consider it disproportionate to advise your Authority against granting planning permission. The HSE intends to maintain an a proportionate approach and will therefore consider each new application for residential development on a "case by case" basis.'
BDB/71921 was approved subject to the completion of a legal agreement at the Development Control Committee meeting on 7 April 2010.
Planning officers have had a number of meetings with the HSE with a view to understanding the complex issues. Officers have formed the view that in light of the expert advice given by HSE and in the absence of any other evidence or expertise to refute the advice of the HSE, that planning applications which the HSE ‘advise against’ are likely to be recommended for refusal unless there are other significant issues that need to be taken into account.
The HSE has agreed to support the council should any applicant wish to appeal the council’s decision to refuse planning permission.
The map of the AWE's DEPZs is attached below.
Boundary Hall:
The Secretary of State has determined that in order to consider all the relevant aspects of the proposed development a public inquiry will be held into whether planning permission should be granted for the redevelopment of the Boundary Hall site. This follows the Development Control Committee's decision to be minded to approve the planning application. (Planning application BDB/67609). The inquiry will commence at 10am on 12 October 2010 and will be held at the Civic Office, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, London Road, Basingstoke.
A copy of the letter from the Government Office of the South East detailing the Secretary of State's reasons can be viewed online.
Shyshack Lane appeal decision:
Planning permission was refused for the development of 9 dwellings at Shyshack Lane, Baughurst. The appeal inspector upheld the council's concerns regarding the design of the proposal and the concerns of the Health and Safety Executive. The full reasons can be read in the decision notice.
However, since this appeal hearing, it is emerged that the HSE inaccurately represented the population growth in the immediate area. Having undertaken an internal review of this information and following discussions with the HSE, it appears that there was a significant flaw in the baseline data presented by the HSE. This review indicates that the population growth within these sectors is significantly less than that referenced by the HSE. Notwithstanding this inaccuracy, the HSE maintains their position to ‘advise against’ this and other applications which would result in an increased population within the DEPZ.Further information:
HSE's approach and role concerning land use planning can be found here.
Nuclear Safeguarding Zones and Consultation Criteria:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/landuseplanning/nuclear.htm
Methodology applied to determine demographic margins around a nuclear facility:
In addition, and although the HSE's Planning Advice for Development near Hazardous Installations or PADHI is not used for developments in the vicinity of Licensed Explosive sites or Nuclear sites a link to the advice is below. HSE's Land Use Planning Methodology - PADHI Documents
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