Big Backlash Over Cemex Plan to Extract Sand, Gravel at Midgham Farm, Fordingbridge

A new quarry might open near Fordingbridge. People worry about noise, dust, and wildlife. Cemex wants to dig for sand and gravel at Midgham Farm. They sent applications to two councils, Hampshire and Dorset. Most of the land, 99%, is in Hampshire. A small strip, about 0.77 hectares, is in Dorset.

The quarry site covers 88.53 hectares, near Fordingbridge and Cemex’s Hamer Warren Quarry. The New Forest National Park is nearby. Someone wanted to build houses there before. Dudsbury Homes planned 1,700 homes plus shops. Dorset Council said no, and Dudsbury Homes lost their appeal.

Midgham Farm quarry could replace Hamer Warren, which will close soon, in about four years. Midgham quarry could produce lots of sand and gravel. It could yield 3.6 million tonnes over 15 years, about 250,000 tonnes each year.

They plan to build roads, a processing plant, lagoons, stockpiles, and offices. After digging, they will restore the land to farmland and nature areas. The quarry will be open weekdays from 7 am to 6 pm.

Saturdays will have shorter hours, 8 am to 1 pm. Many trucks will use the quarry each day, with about 90 lorries traveling to and fro. Each day may see 45 loads of material leaving.

Cemex held public events, has a webpage, and met with officials. Around 100 people shared their thoughts. People are worried about roads, traffic, noise, dust, wildlife, and losing farmland.

Hampshire Council is asking for public feedback now. Share your thoughts online until February 28th using the county council’s website to comment.