Dec 2007: In early December four couples got together having heard of plans regarding local mineral extraction with the consultation period due to close on 12 December.  Hamble already had an action group which had motivated a lot of opposition to the Hamble site. Enquiries to HCC revealed that a mail merge error had meant that residents local to Chilling and Brownwich had not been notified; in acknowledgement of this error the deadline for consultation was extended to 15 January. CAMEL (Campaign Against Mineral Extraction and Landfill) arranged a meeting at Brookfield School on 5 January chaired by Mark Hoban and supported by Cllr Evans; intensive efforts at publicity through fliers, posters and the website led to such a large attendance that the meeting was split into two sessions of 350 people in the hall and more outside.  Opposition to the proposals was very clear: if it was to go ahead it could mean extraction of 8 million tonnes of gravel on our doorstep, taking 20 years to extract, involving 1 million lorry movements with all the accompanying noise, pollution and traffic problems.

These objections are similar to those from Hamble but added to that is the fact that our site is a unique tranquil area, enjoyed by the public, a wildlife habitat, within the strategic gap, and an area of Special Scientific Interest, whereas the Hamble site is a disused airfield and has the advantage of a rail link.

Notably, the HCC website includes a very pointed question: if you object to extraction at Hamble, would you prefer it to happen at Chilling & Brownwich?  Naturally Hamble residents have ticked yes which has then been falsely interpreted as ‘local’ residents’ support of the Chilling & Brownwich site.  Cllr Evans has formally written to HCC saying that unless they can separate out where residents responding to the question live, the response must be ignored as deliberately misleading. 

 
Looking ahead CAMEL are extending their media coverage, meeting and filming with TVS Meridian, the resulting programme will be shown on 28th/30th January featuring a visit to a quarry and showing all sides to the problem while challenging the need for such vast quantities of gravel. 
 

Mark Hoban is being very supportive; there is a meeting in the summer with HCC to confirm the sites, CAMEL hope to attend. 

 
A local Art Group has offered to photograph and paint the site then run an exhibition thus keeping it in the public eye.

 
Currently Hamble is a preferred site – it is covered in concrete and due to be developed anyway; Daedalus airfield and Chilling & Brownwich are alternative preferred sites.  HCC is currently updating plans, if a preferred site drops out then one of the alternative sites must come in.

SEE WWW.CAMELSOLENT.ORG.UK

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