CONTROVERSIAL plans for a quarry opposite homes have been given the green light.

But key conditions have been imposed for the scheme, which has been bitterly resisted for nearly a decade in Hythe.

Neighbours fear sand and gravel extraction will spoil their sleep, pollute the air and pile traffic onto the busy A326.

New Forest District Council, which once joined 850 people in opposing the plans at Forest Lodge Home Farm, raised no objection at its planning committee but asked for 12 planning conditions.

Applicant TJ Transport, based in Wickham, says the project would provide much-needed minerals for south Hampshire and create up to six jobs.

As it stands the 10-year operation would run from 7am six days a week, removing 468,000 tonnes of soft sand and gravel before plugging the hole with natural landfill.

Some homes in on the Netley View and Butts Ash estates are just a stone’s throw away.

Sally Sibley, one of 20 residents to object to the latest application, said in her letter: “Shouldn’t HCC think about the wellbeing of the residents of Hythe, and if that isn’t enough of a stimulus, the possible legal proceedings that they could incur when the health of the people living near the site deteriorates, especially the elderly and the young?”

The planning committee supported calls for 12 new conditions drawn up by Hythe and Dibden Parish Council.

They include a later 8am start, tougher speed limits in the area, developer-funded roadworks and strict rules to prevent noise and dust escaping the site.

Committee chairman Cllr Diane Andrews said objecting outright would be ineffective.

She said: “We wanted to get as many of everybody’s worries over to Hampshire because there are a lot of worries. Being honest, if I was living across the road I would be very worried and want to know [more] about it.”

TJ Transport is preparing more information on the plans’ environmental impact, expected next week.

Hampshire official Rob Storey said these files required another 21-day consultation, pushing the earliest possible decision date past the summer recess in August.

The 14-acre site, designated for mineral extraction in 2013, has already been fenced off.