THE raging planning battle over Shedfield Quarry began in August.

Now, as the decision day nears, campaigners are urging residents to make their views known in one final push – with around 400 public objections already lodged.

TJ Transport is seeking Hampshire County Council's permission to use land at Five Oaks Farm for the winning and working of up to 230,000 tonnes of soft sand – turning it into a quarry and landfill site.

Previously parish councillor Francesca Byrne, who has lived in the village since 1985, said the application was "the biggest thing" to ever happen in the village.

Jo Fox, Shedfield Parish Clerk said: "Shedfield Parish Council evaluated the proposal and the impact that this application would have on our community if it was successful. Our council decided, on the community’s behalf, to robustly object to the application. Alongside our response, nearby parish councils have expressed their objection to HCC together with hundreds of residents from not only our own parish but other alarmed villages. There is a serious concern with the development of a quarry at this location.

"We assessed at an early stage that we needed to appoint a planning consultant. The company has been guiding us along with analysing the application and providing an expert opinion on how to proceed. In September last year, our robust objection was submitted. In December 2020, HCC requested further information from the applicant.

"The applicant’s response was received in early February 2021. It is currently being scrutinised by our council and other consultees. We need to provide our further comment to HCC by the March 15 2021.

"We are currently working hard and forming our response and you will be able to read this shortly after our submission, on the application site at HCC.

Residents previously set up a Facebook page called 'Stop the Quarry at Five Oaks Farm in Shedfield'; launched a petition to stop the plans which has 2,309 signatures; and started a Crowdfunding page to raise £5,000 for Help Shedfield Community Group.

They will use the money to stop the plans.

A spokesperson for TJ Transport told the Chronicle that the plans are "vital".

They said: "The adequate and steady supply of local soft sand is vital to the future sustainable development of Hampshire due to its use in residential and infrastructure construction.

"According to the Hampshire Waste and Minerals Plan (2013) “soft sand resources are scarce and concentrated in a small number of areas”.

"Our proposed soft sand extraction and restoration at Five Oaks Farm, which has been fully scoped with Hampshire County Council, will address a shortfall in local requirement.

"Great consideration has been paid to the potential environmental and social impact within our application, which has been submitted in accordance with all relevant planning regulations.

"We have appointed professional consultants to prepare and submit a response to address concerns raised by residents in connection with the planning application.

"If approved, this would be our third Hampshire-based mineral extraction operation alongside Butser Quarry, Petersfield and Forest Lodge Quarry, Hythe which provide local employment opportunities and community support."

TJ Transport are members of the Mineral Products Association (MPA), ensuring core values and best practice aligns with mineral extraction operators all around the UK.