A revised restoration scheme at a closed Hampshire landfill site which will take six years to complete has been approved by councillors.

The proposal for the site off the A27 to west of Romsey will deliver heathland and grassland areas, with woodland and shrub planting, and the enhancement of ponds and drainage features.

Squabb Wood landfill closed in 2016 and a multi-layered cover, known as a permanent cap, put over the waste.

Mineral extraction, including sand, gravel and clay, previously took place across the 48.5 hectares of land.

Members of Hampshire County Council's regulatory committee heard a planning application for an alternative restoration scheme was approved in 2020, however, this was never implemented.

Valencia Waste Management tabled the new revised proposal, which went before the committee on Wednesday, September 17.

The site is sub-divided into three areas - Shootash, Squabb Wood and Embley - with the scheme setting out a six-year phased approach to restoration.

The project involves importing approximately 267,000 cubic metres of inert fill material to achieve the approved landform and improve drainage

A report to the committee by council officers said the key benefits of the new approach included improved biodiversity through habitat creation for protected species, sustainable use of inert waste materials for restoration, enhanced visual integration with the surround countryside, and controlled HGV movements via a routing agreement to protect highway safety and amenity.

The committee heard a legal agreement with the applicant will secure the requirement that drivers of all vehicles involved in the restoration must not wait at any point on the A27 in the vicinity of the site.

The use of Gardens Lane and Embley Lane will also be restricted.

No objections had been received from residents or any of the statutory consultees.

Councillors unanimously approved the application to vary conditions of the existing planning permission to allow the revised restoration scheme to progress.