CONCERNS over pollution, dust and congestion are just some of the issues raised when discussing controversial plans to create a quarry.

During aLocal Area Committee meeting hosted by Eastleigh Borough Council last night, civic chiefs and local residents gathered to discuss proposals by CEMEX UK Operations Ltd.

The plans are for a vast quarry at the former Hamble Airfield site, which is currently a green space used by dog walkers and families in the area.

If plans are approved more than one and a half million tonnes of gravel would be removed.

Eastleigh Borough Council has objected to the plans which were submitted to, and will be determined by, Hampshire County Council.

A spokesperson from EBC said they object was on the grounds of principle, traffic, pollution, ecology, and landscape.

The meeting was also attended by Hamble Parish Council and Bursledon Parish Council, which both objected the proposals.

In attendance was also Eastleigh MP Paul Holmes and leader of EBC Keith House who also objected to the plans.

MP Holmes raised concerns about the proposed times of operation at the site, and said they "do not consider" the "unique traffic patterns" on Hamble Lane.

Resident Charlie Lowe spoke at the meeting and branded quarries as "filthy and noise".

He said that Hamble Lane would "not take the level of traffic", and raised concerns about the land being used for development once the quarry work had been completed, rather than the site being turned back into a green space.

As previously reported, those living in the area have told of their concerns about a number of issues including traffic, dust and even flooding.

Jo Nesbit-Bell, 51, runs the Facebook group, Hamble Against Development, where residents have been posting their concerns at the proposals.

She said it will be a "massive loss" if the green space disappears and added traffic in the area is "a nightmare" already before work on mineral extraction has even started.

"It's going to be unbearable," she said.

"We won't be able to put our washing out, the noise.

"I dread to think what would happen with lorries going up and down."