HAMPSHIRE County Council's plans for sand extraction in Bordon and Kingsley were put in the spotlight at a public meeting last Thursday. Organised by county councillor Adam Carew, over 40 people attended the meeting at the Forest Community Centre to hear the county council's latest plans for mineral extraction in the area. Sites being considered include points at Grooms Farm, Frith End, and Malthouse and Osbourne Farms, near the Country Market. As a possible alternative the Kingsley Quarry could be extended. Any new extraction sites in Whitehill and Bordon will be likely to be mined out and refilled with inert landfill prior to any building development. A number of concerns were raised at the meeting, including the potential damage to commercial interests at Country Market, the affect of mining below the water table on drinking water supply, local ponds and the River Slea. As an area of great importance for protected wildlife, the impact of any extraction on animals was also flagged as a concern to residents, and it was suggested that the increased traffic and lorry movements through Kingsley and Bordon could be a problem. County council officers said that minerals could only be dug where deposits existed and therefore, the sites were dictated by geology. They also explained that the county council has to supply 2.63 million tonnes of mined sand and gravel as specified by the South East plan. Hampshire County Council reassurred those with concerns that officers will consult Natural England and The Environment Agency for their views relating to wildlife and water before any decisions are made. One alternative option discussed was a possible extension to the existing Kingsley Quarry, opposite Lodge Farm, rather than mining sand at Malthouse and Osborne Farms. This however could pose a problem as it would be within the proposed South Downs National Park. Concerns were also raised about landfill that would follow mineral extraction. County officers explained that this is now dealt with separately by a landfill plan which is due to start next year. Mr Carew said: "There is a great deal of public concern about soft-sand extraction plans for this area. I organised this meeting because people have a right to know exactly what is being proposed and what has been ruled out. "This was originally intended just for Whitehill- Bordon councillors but I felt it should be extended to neighbouring parishes and local residents who could be affected. "The aim was to explain the process of site selection and give residents and councillors a chance to ask questions. I hope people found the evening useful and informative." A formal consultation process on the county council's preferred options began on Wednesday and will run until December 12. Further details can be found at http://www.hants.gov.uk/">www.hants.gov.uk/ planning-development.
