Hamble Airfield: School pupils protest over gravel extraction plan

School pupils have staged a roadside protest against a building materials firm's plan to turn a neighbouring former airfield into a quarry.

Cemex wants to use Hamble Airfield, in Hampshire, to extract sand and gravel for seven years - then infill for the next six years.

Hamble School said it opposed the development due to noise, traffic, air pollution and safety concerns.

Cemex said extraction could take place without "significant adverse effects".

The site was allocated to gravel extraction under Hampshire's minerals plan and a planning application is currently under consideration by Hampshire County Council's regulatory committee.

If the proposals go ahead, the site would see 1.7 million tonnes of sand and gravel extracted - excavating up to 7m (23ft) deep.

Hamble School pupils delivered a petition opposing the "urban quarry", less than 50m (164ft) from its entrance, to Downing Street last week.

The school said: "Constructing the quarry will create extensive amounts of pollution in the surrounding atmosphere."

It said noise from the site would cause "significant disruption" to the school and would "impact on the GCSE outcomes of a generation of young people".

In a letter to parents, the school said it was staging the protest on the school perimeter to coincide with a visit by councillors to the Hamble Airfield site.

"Allowing the students an opportunity to participate in a protest will develop their understanding of British values," it said.

"In particular, democracy, rule of law and individual liberty."

In a statement, Cemex said: "The site will ensure that essential materials continue to be available for the building of new homes, schools, hospitals and a range of other vital infrastructure across the local area, as well as continuing to provide more sustainable products and solutions to the building industry.

"Cemex also takes its responsibilities towards enhancing the natural environment extremely seriously with restoration plans in place to increase the biodiversity across its sites."

A decision on the plans is due to be made in the coming weeks.

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