FEARS are growing that part of Hampshire's countryside will be destroyed if plans for giant gravel pits are given the green light.

Opposition has already been voiced against the possible extraction of sand and gravel from various sites in the Hamble and Netley area that would leave a massive scar across the district.

As yet, no site has been decided on but residents and councillors have expressed their total opposition to the plans and have vowed to fight through each consultation stage.

Hampshire County Council has identified nine sites across Eastleigh with the potential to become sites for gravel extraction based on their size.

Consultations have already begun with local authorities and the next stage will start in October when a shortlist of preferred sites has been drawn up.

The plans come just months after hundreds of residents in the New Forest protested over similar proposals to extract more than 800,000 tonnes of material at Downton Manor Farm.

Anxiety over increased traffic, noise and pollution are major concerns for those living near possible sites at Pickwell Farm, Bursledon, Hound Farm, Hamble and Hamble Airfield.

Kate Cullen, of Hamble-le-Rice Parish Council, said: "The council has been totally opposed to all the proposed gravel extraction sites in Hamble since the consultation began in September "It opposed on various grounds, firstly that the plans would destroy the countryside, secondly that it would use up the local gap and thirdly that the main access routes into the sites are inadequate.

"I'm sure that when we reach this stage in October there will be a lot of reaction from residents who will be against these sites."

There have also been concerns over the lack of openness from the county council regarding the consultation.

Councillor David Airey, of Hound Parish Council, said: "We feel that there has been a lack of consultation with the public and that it should be open, up front and clear.

"We are making residents aware of the situation and from the reaction we have received so far they are very concerned about the sites particularly in regard to increased traffic on roads not suitable for heavy vehicles and the length of time the gravel sites will be used."

However Hampshire County Council have defended their consultation process. A spokesperson said: "We have been doing a first round of informal' consultation on a number of potential sites for minerals and waste uses.

"This consultation included parish councils, and local groups. There will be two further phases of formal' consultation, including neighbour notification, site notices and adverts in papers, once the preferred options' for sites become clearer."