Hertfordshire County Council has withdrawn its reasons for refusal ahead an inquiry into plans for a quarry on the site of the former Hatfield Aerodrome.

Members of the council’s development control committee refused the latest application to extract around eight million tonnes of sand and gravel from the site earlier this year.

Applicants Brett Aggregates lodged an appeal against that refusal, with a ten-day planning inquiry to determine whether or not the refusal should be overturned is due to start on November 19.

Efforts to stop the plans look to have taken a big hit, with HCC withdrawing its reasons for refusal, due to being "unable to secure expert witnesses to represent them at the appeal".

"The council have unfortunately been unable to secure expert witnesses to represent them at the appeal and without such experts the Development Control Committee have reluctantly decided to withdraw the reasons for refusal and will inform the Planning Inspectorate that HCC will not be presenting any evidence in relation to the appeal," a spokesperson said.

"The matter will continue to be considered by the Planning Inspector and the Inspector will make a decision as to whether to grant planning permission or not in due course."

READ MORE

The decision has been met with disappointment from Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, with Cllr Rose Grewal, executive member for planning, saying: "I, along with the Joint Administration, am deeply disappointed by Hertfordshire County Council’s decision to withdraw the reasons for refusal ahead of the upcoming planning inquiry into the proposed mineral quarry at the former Hatfield Aerodrome.

"The borough council has continued to strongly oppose the proposal, raising concerns about the detrimental impact on public amenity, inappropriate use of the greenbelt, increased risk of land contamination and traffic impacts.

"Since refusing planning permission for the quarry in October last year, HCC have failed to build a robust case in defence of its decision.

"By choosing to withdraw the reasons for refusal, HCC has effectively chosen not to defend its original decision, meaning the views of the community and wider public interest will not be represented at the inquiry.

"Ellenbrook Country Park is a cherished green open space for our community and an important site for nature conservation. HCC’s decision is a significant blow to those who have fought tirelessly for many years to protect the site.

"We now call upon the developer, ARC, to honour the original Section 106 agreement made in 2001, when permission was first granted for the Hatfield Aerodrome development.

"By completing the outstanding establishment works and supporting the Ellenbrook Trust we can seek to ensure that the remainder of the Country Park is preserved for public benefit."