THE end is in sight for sand extraction at a quarry in Frith End. Trees and shrubs will be planted as part of the restoration when operations finish by March next year.

Sand has been extracted from Rabbitfield Hill Sand Quarry since 1987 after planning permission was granted on appeal.

For 15 years there have been subsequent permissions for variations of conditions and a small-scale extension to the site was granted approval in 2000.

However, the conditions for the working and restoration of the quarry now need to be reviewed under the Environment Act 1995.

And Hampshire County CouncilÕs regulatory committee was expected to grant permission on Wednesday for the sand extraction to continue until the original permission ends on March 31, 2003.

The site covers around 3.8 hectares and is adjacent to Picketts Hill. Access is via a haul road to the applicantÕs Groom Farm site on the other side of the River Slea.

A mixed reaction to the plans has been received by the county council from neighbouring parish and district councils.

Surrey County Council, English Nature, Hampshire County CouncilÕs surveyor, East Hampshire District CouncilÕs environmental health officer and East Hampshire District Council all raise no objection.

Headley Parish Council has made no comments, Kingsley Parish Council has commented that the sand extraction should be completed immediately and the groundwork completed this autumn, which has been deemed ÒunreasonableÓ by the county councilÕs planning officer.

A report to the committee stated: ÒWith regard to the comments of Kingsley Parish Council, the site currently has consent to March 31, 2003 and it is not proposed to extend this period. It would be unreasonable to require a shorter period.Ó

Dockenfield Parish Council commented that as little sand remains, it seems ÒunnecessaryÓ to extend the period.

And it added: ÒThe site should be put in the care of a local conservation group to prevent further developments and the haul road should be removed.Ó

The report stated: ÒThe haul road is proposed to be retained for agricultural use. Access will be necessary for after-care of the site following restoration.Ó

Committee members were told that the sand quarry had been operational for several years with no complaints.

ÒThe existing conditions have been satisfactory in controlling the siteÕs operation and are appropriate to secure satisfactory restoration,Ó the report stated.

ÒNo extension of time beyond current consent is proposed. Consequently, it is recommended that the submitted conditions be approved.Ó

In recommending permission to complete the sand extraction on the site, the report stated that sand extraction should cease, all plant and machinery be removed and the site restored by March 31 2003.

The site should be worked and restored in accordance with the approved working and restoration schemes.

Except with the prior agreement of the planning authority, the plant should only be operated between 7 am and 6 pm Monday to Friday and between 7 am and 1 pm on Saturdays.

And the plant should not be in operation on Sunday or on recognised public holidays.

New tree and shrub planting should be carried out by the first planting season following the restoration of the site and any trees which die should be replaced.

No soil should be removed from the site, or used for any purpose other than the restoration of the site.

And all sand should be removed from the site via the haul road to Grooms Farm Sandpit and there should be no access to the site from Picketts Hill.