A QUIET corner of Hampshire will be blighted by noise, dust and extra traffic if gravel extraction plans are approved, it has been claimed.

That was the claim made at a public inquiry into an application by New Milton Sand and Ballast to extract more than 800,000 tonnes of material at Downton Manor Farm.

Hampshire County Council rejected the controversial scheme but the company lodged an appeal.

Bob Bishop, vice-chairman of Milford-on-Sea Parish Council, told the inquiry the scheme would generate too much traffic and would have an unacceptable impact on residents and visitors to the area.

He added: "Noise from lorries loading and unloading, plus extensive earthmoving by bulldozers, will be considerably greater than the occasional noise from the farm tractor."

New Milton Sand and Ballast defended the application.

Robert Fookes QC, representing the company, said a 150-metre buffer zone would be established between the quarrying and nearby homes.

Managing director Michael Badcock warned of severe consequences for the company if the scheme were thrown out.