Two controversial sites near Romsey have been put forward in the county council's latest Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan.

The sites have been criticised by Cllr Nick Adams-King, over the potential impact they could have on the surrounding area.

The plan, which is looking for new sites for mineral and sand extraction, is open for public consultation until January 31.

One site is proposed for The Triangle bordered by Ryedown Lane, Gardeners Lane and the A3090 dual carriageway. The second is at Dunwood Fruit Farm on the A27 at Sherfield English.

The Triangle was originally included in a 1998 version of the plan and was then refused permission in 2001.

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Cllr Adams-King said: “This site has been rejected in the past, and it remains entirely unsuitable for this kind of quarrying. The local roads are too narrow and the junctions with the A3090 dual carriageway too dangerous for safe access by the size of lorry needed by the site. 

“The area is environmentally sensitive and perhaps most importantly there will be huge concern at the risk of flooding caused by excavation in this area. This is an ill-thought-out proposal and I’d encourage anyone who loves Romsey to write in and oppose the desecration of Pauncefoot Hill.”

The proposal for Dunwood Fruit Farm is for a gravel and sand extraction on land behind the farm. Access would be gained by a new road created along the route of the existing footpath to the south of the former chipping depot.

Cllr Adams-King said: “Again, highway concerns are considerable here. Disturbance to the residents of Newtown Lane nearest to the site would be unacceptable. 

“The public footpath would be disrupted, but perhaps most importantly the landscape character and ecological balance of this important area, (situated as it is close to protected environmental sites) would be irreparably damaged.”

Comments for the public consultation can be sent to hmwp.consult@hants.gov.uk or they can be logged on the county council website at hants.gov.uk/minerals-waste-update, by January 31.