Controversial plans for a quarry near Romsey have been permitted, despite fears that it would 'destroy the countryside'.

Eight-five people objected to the expansion to Roke Manor Quarry.

Called the Stanbridge Ranvilles Extension, it is set to extract around 600,000 tonnes of sand and gravel. 

Hampshire County Council's regulatory committee on Wednesday December 14, heard concerns from residents and also from applicant, Raymond Brown Quarry Products Ltd.

The main causes for concerns were over the bio-diversity of the site and the impact from noise and pollution on nearby properties.

Also fears were raised over the hours of operations which will be 7am until 6pm on Monday until Friday and 8am until 12.30pm on Saturday. 

However, the committee permitted it as they said there was a need for sand and gravel to meet housing demand.  

Resident Sarah Leach said: “This will cause a significant loss of amenities, it will be very overbearing. It will also cause the loss of four oak trees which have stood for hundreds of years, and will be replaced by saplings in plastic tubes.”

Lizzi Brazier said she moved to Old Salisbury Lane where the existing quarry site is in 1990.

She said: “I'm very concerned about the air pollution and the effects of the dust. I have lung cancer and I know the dust hasn't helped. 

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“I'm beyond words of the destruction to the countryside and the health effects this could have.”

Sue Brophy moved to the area around 10 years ago. She told the committee that she had experienced lorries driving by her house, very late at night and early in the morning. 

On November 2, members of the committee went on a site visit when they viewed the area from the garden of Richard Rudkin. Mr Rudkin was concerned over the impact it would have on his life.

He said: “At 74, I want to be able to enjoy my garden and classic cars. The visual impact it would have is huge, it could not be any worse. I have fears of lung disease being triggered by dust. 

“Raymond Brown seem to think they fit in well with the local community. What a joke. Enough is enough. If approved, I will be deprived of enjoying my home and garden, all for the financial gain of the applicant.”

Cllr Nick Adams-King chairs the liaison panel of residents and raised several concerns.

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He said: “My main concern is bio-diversity, removing the established hedgerows and mature trees. We should be striving for better. This will have a significant impact on the community.”

Robert Westell, planning and estates director for Raymond Brown Quarry Products, told the committee: “We have taken great care to design an expansion to minimise disruption on residents and wildlife.

“We will be planting 4,500 trees and 2.5km of hedgerow. This will continue to supply employment in a rural area and bio-diversity gains. I urge members to support the officer's recommendations.”

Cllr Hugh Lumby asked Mr Westell if the applicant would be willing to plant more mature trees instead of saplings. 

Mr Westell said: “We can plant semi-mature trees. It would cost more, but we will take it seriously.”

Councillors had different views on whether to permit the plan. Cllr Louise Parker-Jones said: “I'm concerned that the trees have a lot of life left in them. There are too many aspects against this, particularly on the neighbours.”

Cllr Stephen Parker said: “We need to think of how we can make this more appropriate and less intrusive. On balance, I'm in favour of this.”

The committee voted in favour of permitting the expansion, with eight for, four against, one abstention and one not voting.