New plan proposes four new quarry locations in Hampshire. Includes Hamble Airfield, Purple Haze, Ashley Manor Farm, and Midgham Farm.
These plans help decide where to put waste sites and where they dig for minerals. Five local groups must ensure enough mineral supplies, aiming for an adequate supply until 2030.
They made a plan back in 2013 and updated it after two public votes. The updated plan changes how they manage development, with some old waste rules changing and others staying the same.
The plan includes four new quarry locations for sand and gravel across Hampshire. These sites include Hamble Airfield, Purple Haze, Ashley Manor Farm, and Midgham Farm.
Hampshire leaders sent the plan to the government in July 2024. The government’s planning team checked it, and they held open hearings in December 2024.
These hearings occurred over two weeks, starting on February 4th. An independent inspector, Luke Fleming, led them and reviewed the plan in detail.
Companies like Cemex shared their views. Groups like Collard and Raymond Brown also spoke, and neighbors of the planned quarries joined in.
One neighbor, Mrs. Roland, lives near Midgham Farm. She believes the council only wants gravel extraction and ignores local people’s concerns, adding that they have not listened to residents.
She stated there were many formal objections to the site due to issues with noise and traffic. It also impacts the area and protected habitats.
Pamela Perry lives near Ashley Manor Farm. She said the site was denied twice before and stated conditions have not improved since then. She also thinks the green belt is still very important.
The inspector will write a report giving findings and suggestions to the groups. It should be ready around summer 2025.
If the plan is “sound,” meaning it follows rules and is well-made, they’ll likely approve it. Groups will adopt it if the inspector approves.
If the plan has problems, he can suggest changes to make it acceptable, where possible. The review stays open until he gives his report.
After the hearings, the inspector won’t accept new evidence unless he asks for it. All groups will adopt the plan in winter 2025/26.
They may then check, review, and update it. They will update the plan as needed later on.