PLANNERS have praised strict conditions imposed on a giant gravel pit just yards from internationally important salt marshes in the New Forest.

Hampshire County Council took action last month amid growing fears that gravel extraction is posing a threat to the marshes between Lymington and Keyhaven.

New conditions aim to prevent the scheme having an adverse impact on nature conservation.

A large number of extra safeguards are due to be implemented at the New Milton Sand and Ballast Company site at Manor Farm, Lymington.

Measures include the construction of clay barriers around the gravel workings, the provision of pollution management facilities and the creation of new drainage systems.

The company has also pledged to take any necessary action to secure the long-term future of the marshes.

Details of the new agreement between the operators and the county council were given in a report to the district development control sub-committee.

The report said: "The site has a remaining life of about eight years.

"The amended conditions are considered adequate to protect this sensitive site, while still allowing mineral works to take place there until the year 2007."

Councillors stressed the need to prevent any of the activities at Manor Farm interfering with the natural movement of water in around the marshes.

New Milton's Ben Earwicker said: "The site is right up against the salt marshes, which are of international importance in terms of nature conservation."

Forest North councillor David Scott said: "There will be continuous monitoring of the site to make sure that the operators get it right."

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