Hampshire County Council unveils public consultation results for Minerals and Waste Plan which includes Ashley Manor Farm in New Milton, Midgham Farm in Fordingbridge and Purple Haze in Ringwood

HUNDREDS of residents objected to planned quarries in the New Forest as the county council revealed the results of its latest public consultation.

As reported in the A&T, the council’s Minerals and Waste Plan could see Ashley Manor Farm near New Milton, Midgham Farm near Fordingbridge, and Purple Haze south of Ringwood Forest, converted into extraction sites.

The proposals have prompted a strong backlash from locals who say the developments would have a negative impact on their health and wellbeing.

However, a report to the council’s cabinet, which will meet on Monday, recommends the plan – with “minor modifications” – be approved ahead of submission to the Secretary of State.

The report explained: “Whilst minor modifications have been identified, these are points of clarification and do not ultimately change the policies and proposals within the plan.”

Results show the consultation, which ran between January and March, had 831 responses, which was “significantly lower” than those at the draft plan stage. This is believed to be due to a number of sites being dropped from the draft plan.

Early proposals to develop Yeatton Farm in Hordle and Hamer Warren Quarry, between Ringwood and Fordingbridge, were withdrawn.

An aggregate rail depot at Totton sidings was also not continued with, but remains a potential site “should circumstances change”, says HCC.

Ashley Manor Farm, a 26.6-hectare site currently used as agricultural land, could be mined for up to 1.5 million tonnes of sharp sand and gravel.

The proposal received 25 objections and one response in support.

A report to the council explained: “The responses received raised several concerns relating to a range of issues including rights of way and traffic, amenity – including air quality, dust, noise, light and health – the greenbelt, heritage, ecology, flooding, economy and tourism, climate change, and need.

“Many comments also referred to the fact that the site had been subject to a previous planning application and the current application which is yet to be determined. The concerns raised are acknowledged.

“Whilst planning history of a site is relevant, the current proposal is different to that previously considered [and] a proposal should also be judged on its merit at the time it is submitted.”

Midgham Farm, a 89.7-hectare site used for agricultural land, could produce up to 4.2 million tonnes of sharp sand and gravel.

It received 261 objections – including Natural England – with concerns relating to a range of similar issues to Ashley Manor Farm.

The report added: “In response to the comments received it is considered that the development considerations would benefit from some clarification in relation to Christchurch Harbour SSSI, the need for compensation or avoidance, ancient woodland, [and] the need for liaison with Dorset Council regarding access and transport assessment requirements.”

Purple Haze, a 70-hectare coniferous plantation, could produce up to 7.25 million tonnes of soft sand and 0.75 million tonnes of sharp sand and gravel.

It received 259 objections and two comments in support.

The report explained: “An objection was raised by Natural England to the allocation at Purple Haze regarding issues of hydrological impacts, functionally linked land to habitats sites, air quality, and irreplaceable habitats.

“The concerns raised are acknowledged and the have led to the detailed development considerations which requires any future planning application to ensure that these are addressed.

“It is considered that the development considerations would benefit from some clarification in relation to Forest design plans, the need for compensation or avoidance, and specialist soil management. Furthermore, clarification of the site details is required in relation to yield and restoration.”

Subject to approval by the county council, the consultation responses will be submitted along with the plan to the Secretary of State later this month.

It is anticipated a public examination of the plan will take place in spring 2025.