New Milton Sand and Ballast (NMSB) launches public consultation over gravel extraction at Ashley Manor Farm

THE company behind renewed plans for a gravel quarry on greenbelt land in Barton has this week launched a public consultation.

New Milton Sand and Ballast (NMSB) has applied to Hampshire County Council for permission to extract 1.7-million tonnes of sand and gravel from Ashley Manor Farm, which runs parallel to Angel Lane, over a 12-year period.

As reported in the A&T, HCC ran its own public consultation over its draft minerals and waste plan, which could include Ashley Manor Farm and Yeatton Farm in Hordle in its list of potential quarries.

A spokesperson for NMSB has said its consultation was triggered by additional information requested by HCC, in respect of air quality, cultural heritage, hydrology and hydrogeology, landscape and visual impact, traffic impact assessment and development proposals.

“This information can be found summarised within a cover letter and the updated Environmental Statement (ES) which has been submitted, and we have provided a second version of the Flood Risk Assessment and an improved rights of way plan,” they said.

HCC’s consultation came to an end on 31st January, and if either site makes it onto the final minerals document, it raises the likelihood of digging there.

The move to extract at Ashley Manor Farm is opposed by local residents, including those who have formed campaign group RAGE (Residents Against Gravel Extraction), town councillors and the area’s MP.

They have highlighted the important open rural character of the area, and it was stressed the plot holds the highest greenbelt status.

Opponents believe the site’s use as a quarry would desecrate its historic value of downland for agricultural use, and argued the area’s proximity to the cemetery would expose mourners to dust and noise.

New Milton Sand and Ballast’s consultation runs from today (Friday) until 30th May.

The company says it will respond later in the year with HCC’s requests for more information on biodiversity and restoration.