Mr Richard Read

Environment Directorate

Hampshire County Council

The Castle

Winchester

Hampshire SO23 8UD

 

Dear Mr Read

 

Re: Downton Manor Farm"

 

I am a concerned resident of Hordle/Everton/Milford/Keyhaven (delete non applicable) writing to record my formal objection to proposals contained in the above plan. The Farm noted above is one of a group of farms under consideration for further investigation for the extraction of Gravel and other material. These farms are all immediately adjacent to the villages of Hordle, Everton, Downton and Milford-on-Sea. These communities are principally residential and/or small non industrial businesses. Any development of an extractive nature would be extremely detrimental and out of character with the area.

 

My objections are based on the following:

 

Safety

With the exception of the A337, all the local roads are narrow and of a country nature. Many do not have pedestrian walkways and would be completely unsuitable for regular use by large lorries moving material in and out of the area. The roads are used by schoolchildren and elderly people who would be put severely at risk by an increase in traffic of this nature.

 

Health

Dust, traffic fumes, and noise will all be detrimental to the health and welfare of people living in the area.

 

Conservation

Extractive industry will destroy the countryside and wild life habitat which is in abundance in the area, particularly the variety of wild birds.

 

Local Business

Although principally residential, the area supports small businesses relating to the Tourist industry. These will undoubtedly be affected as visitors to the area come to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty of the area.

 

Landfill

The void created by extraction of material will come under pressure to be used for waste disposal. This would create further traffic movement, smell, windblown litter, increased vermin population and attendant health hazards.

 

In summary, I consider the area is totally unsuitable for consideration of such a development and request that it be removed from the plan. I do not believe there is an overriding need for gravel to be extracted from such a sensitive area to support the building development needs of the local community. I consider that the extracted material, and no doubt subsequent landfill, would both be used by interested parties from outside this area. Financial gain would accrue to the Extractive Industry and the few individuals owning the affected land at a cost to the wider community at large. This blight would not only be measured in financial terms but also in terms of safety, health, loss of amenity, pollution, visual impact, local business and natural habitat.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

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