PUPILS at a Hampshire school have joined the battle against plans to turn a former airfield into a quarry.
Students at The Hamble School, which is next to the proposed site, say they fear the proposed development will harm their health, education and safety.
They claim noise and dust from the quarry will disrupt lessons as well as prevent them from going outside at break times.
As reported in the Daily Echo, CEMEX is seeking consent to turn the old Hamble Airfield into a gravel pit.
The application has sparked thousands of objections from people who fear the potential impact on the local environment.
READ MORE: Residents' outrage over Hamble Airfield quarry plans
Now the Student Council at Hamble School is also urging Hampshire County Council to reject the proposal.
In a letter to the authority, it says: "We think the quarry will impact our education and school life in many ways.
"It is only going to be 150m from our school. We may not be able to hear in class. We may not be able to concentrate, which will lead to us falling behind.
"If the quarry is going to run all throughout the year, how will we be able to sit our exams in a calm and quiet environment?"
The letter also raises concerns about the amount of extra traffic the quarry is likely to generate.
"Hamble Lane is already busy, especially at key times. We are worried that some of our teachers may struggle to get through the traffic and miss time in lessons.
"Will the buses to school be able to get through the traffic so we can get in on time?"
READ MORE: Community leaders slam controversial quarry plans in Hamble
The letter claims parts of Hamble Lane are already dangerous and says "more of our students may get hurt" if the scheme goes ahead.
It adds: "We are concerned about the amount of dust and air pollution the quarry may cause and what respiratory issues may impact us.
"At break time and lunchtime, we go outside to spend time with our friends as we know this has a positive impact on our mental health. We will no longer be able to do this."
A CEMEX spokesperson said Hampshire recognised it needed to provide sufficient sand and gravel to meet the county’s requirements.
The site's location meant it could serve surrounding communities "without HGVs having to travel long distances from elsewhere in the county".
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