PLANS to burn leftover waste from mortars supplied to armed forces across the world have been given the go ahead.

Hampshire County Council has approved an application for an explosives waste burning facility at Hirtenberger Defence Systems (HDS) in Craydown Lane, Middle Wallop.

The application went before the council's regulatory committee earlier this month.

HDS supplies ammunition and explosives to armed forces, manufacturing 60mm, 81mm and 120mm calibre smooth-bore mortars.

Currently, the waste is simply being stored, but HDS will now be able to dispose of it on-site rather than transporting it elsewhere.

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In its decision notice, the council said: “The proposed operation, by reason of the amount of waste disposed of and the frequency at which disposal would take place, would on balance be acceptable in terms of its design and sustainability, would not cause unacceptable harm to the character of the area or the amenity of local residents.”

The authority has put in a condition that the burning of waste shall occur no more than once a month, and written details of the dates, times of burns and the amount of waste disposed at each burn shall be provided to the Waste Planning Authority on request within 14 days of such a request being made.

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HDS mortars boast high combat effectiveness and have custom ammunition for paratroopers and commando units, with options for smoke, illumination and more.

The heavier 81mm and 120mm mortars also feature digital fire-control systems.

The council was also told that the burning facility is likely the most environmentally-friendly way to deal with the waste.