THE campaign against the proposed sites of sand extraction in Kingsley and Bordon gathered pace this week, as town leaders and concerned residents spoke out against the move. A map published by Hampshire County Council (HCC), which highlights possible sites for sand and gravel extraction including possible new quarries at Rookery Farm and at Country Market, has left many residents worried. Karin Dugmore and husband Geoff moved into their dream home in Rookery Farm three years ago, and now face substantial damage to the value of their property and their quality of life. Mrs Dugmore said: "We searched high and low for a home like this, and now we could lose the beautiful area that surrounds it, and instead look into a huge hole filled with trucks. It's absolutely devastating." HCC has been criticised for failing to alert some affected residents to the plans and to a public meeting which has now taken place. Rookery residents' group member Mark Langdale said: "People directly affected by these proposals were not alerted to the consultation meeting. "If the county council are managing the consultation period in an inadequate way, how serious are they about a dialogue with residents? They only managed to notify a handful of people – what does that tell you of their intent? "There has been a public meeting, but few residents knew of it. I received a letter from the county council dated October 31 to tell me there was a meeting on the 25th. Residents had no idea." County councillor Adam Carew said: "I am concerned to find that only a very few people in our community have been sent letters about the minerals consultation and the numbers to the HCC meetings were strictly limited. "There is an awful lot of soft sand extraction being planned for our area in Whitehill, Bordon and in Kingsley. Really everybody in the town and surrounding villages should have been given a copy to see what is being proposed so they make their views known whether they are for or against". Kingsley and the surrounding area has seen mineral extraction previously, causing Rookery Farm residents to echo the cry that the area has provided enough sand in the past. Rookery Farm residents' group chairman, Alan Wynde said: "This area has been subjected to sand extraction and quarrying for decades now. It's not a case of 'not in my back yard', but rather no more in my back yard – enough definitely is enough." As a mineral planning authority, The county council is obliged to provide 2.6 million tonnes of sand and gravel to central Government per annum. This map was intended to highlight areas where the council believes sand to be, rather than a definitive plan of where the sites will be. However, as the town approaches a period of regeneration following the departure of the Army in 2012, the map has attracted criticism from town leaders. The newly formed Whithill-Bordon Opportunity executive group members are concerned that possible plans to extract sand from sites prior to their development could prejudice the Opportunity project. Chairman of the Opportunity executive and leader of East Hampshire District Council, Ferris Cowper, said: "While the group appreciated the need for mineral extraction, and is aware of the sand deposits underlying Bordon, we would not wish the extraction proposals to prejudice the Opportunity project, or indeed, blight the town. "We are expecting about 258 hectares of public land to become available over the coming years. The land releases are expected from about 2012. These land releases will enable us to build a new green town fit for the 21st century – with a new town centre, employment opportunities and leisure facilities to meet local peoples' needs, while at the same time protecting green spaces for people and wildlife. "We are concerned that prior extraction of sand could prejudice all that – in terms of the timescale and standards of any subsequent development. It could also blight the town during a very difficult transition period after the Army's withdrawal – the last thing people want is to effectively turn the town into one big sand pit," he added. Adam Carew, said: "The Opportunity executive do not recognise this map and believe it is out-of-date and totally invalid. At no time have we been asked to supply or validate any Opportunity project maps for the purposes of HCC's minerals consultation exercise. "We believe the map is highly misleading for the public and has only served to cause alarm. We have asked for the matter to be investigated." The map highlights areas already thrown out of the local plan such as the Walldown Triangle, and areas which have already been built on. Also included is woodland that links the Deadwater Nature Reserve with Boxhead SPA and large parts of Hollywater. If anyone would like to get in touch with the Rookery Farm residents group, contact the chairman Alan Wynde on 01420 479325. Alternatively visit their new website at http://www.nomoreinmybackyard.com">www.nomoreinmybackyard.com
