A COUNCIL leader has added his voice to calls to stop gravel pit plans in a Hampshire village.

Eastleigh Borough Council chief Keith House appeared at a public review into Hampshire County Council’s Minerals and Waste Plan.

The proposals include extracting gravel from Hamble Airfield which, villagers say, would have a detrimental effect on the community and put pressure on congested roads.

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne has already appeared at the review, being carried out by an independent planning inspector, and business Secretary Vince Cable has also backed the campaign against gravel extraction in Hamble.

Councillor House said: “Eastleigh Borough Council has consistently opposed these proposals which will blight one of the prettiest, but already most congested parts of the borough.

“It was great to see so many local groups, businesses and residents taking the chance to oppose these plans.

“We have made it very clear this scheme is inappropriate for the area.”

The public hearing into the plan ended yesterday and the planning inspector will now produce a report to determine whether or not Hamble Airfield should remain in the Minerals and Waste Plan.

Results are expected after the summer.