COMMUNITY leaders have slammed controversial plans for a new quarry in a Hampshire village.
This week Eastleigh Borough Council is set to put forward its response to a consultation on plans to create a quarry at the former Hamble Airfield site.
The scheme has proved controversial so far with residents saying it would be "devastating" for the area.
But now politicians have also gone against the proposal, adding that Hamble Airfield is "just not the right place for mineral extraction".
On Thursday, it is recommended that Eastleigh Borough Council's cabinet object to the scheme.
Concerns have also been raised by the Borough Council’s Local Area Committee and Hamble and Hound Parish Councils.
The borough council's transport boss and ward councillor for Hamble, Cllr David Airey said: "The Hamble peninsula has basically one over-trafficked and at times congested road in and out of the area.
"The proposed site access is at one of the narrowest points in Hamble Lane. The northern section of Hamble Lane is an air quality management area.
"The additional heavy lorry activity will just make the air quality worse."
He added that the proposals so far show "little consideration for the locality and is short on detail in regard to hydrology, impact on neighbours, traffic issues, mitigation and general pollution".
CEMEX, the company behind the scheme, which is being consulted on by Hampshire County Council, previously said the quarry would bring cost and proximity benefits to a host of upcoming projects in the area.
A spokesperson for CEMEX told the Echo that the "application demonstrates that there will not be any unacceptable impacts on the local community”.
READ MORE: Opposition grows over quarry plans at Hamble Airfield site
The airfield was included in the county council’s plans for sand and gravel extraction in 2013.
Concerns outlined by the borough council related to increased traffic and disadvantages to the local economy as a result, the impact on trees at the site, and the loss of the area which is often used by dog walkers.
Chair of Hamble Parish Council, Cllr Simon Hand, added: "Personally I believe the airfield site is totally the wrong place especially given the traffic on Hamble Lane and the proximity of the two schools and the residential nature of the surroundings."
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