Campaign continues as Hamble Quarry opponents take their case to court

Members of the Hamble Peninsular Residents’ Group, alongside representatives from Hamble Parish Council and residents, will attend a statutory review hearing on Tuesday, June 16.

The hearing is part of a legal challenge brought by the parish council after Cemex won its appeal against Hampshire County Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for the quarry.

The challenge focuses on whether the Planning Inspector followed the correct legal process during the appeal in 2025.

Emma Westmacott, chair of the Hamble Peninsular Residents’ Group, said the community “had no choice but to continue fighting” the development.

She said: “We have to keep fighting. No one wants to keep doing this, but we have no choice.

“This is now a legal battle about process and whether the inspector carried out their role properly. Our goal is to succeed and have the opportunity to revisit the points we feel were not given due consideration.

“The local community needs to remain vigilant about what happens next. Hamble is a strong village, but people need to understand what could be coming.”

The group said around 10 representatives will attend the hearing to demonstrate the strength of local opposition to the quarry plans.

Among them will be Christian Walton, vice-chair of governors at Hamble Primary School, who said he would be attending on behalf of children and families.

He said: “I’m pleased that, as a community, we are still standing strong together and have the opportunity to challenge this decision in court.

“Any sensible person must realise that having such an unprecedented quarry directly next to our two local schools and a preschool would seriously harm the future of our children and our community, as well as cause damage to our natural environment.

“I remain hopeful that the judge will recognise the seriousness of the concerns being raised. I fear for the future of the children at our schools should this challenge be unsuccessful.”

Resident Jane Pyle, who has lived in Hamble for 13 years, said attending the hearing was the latest step in a lengthy campaign against the development.

She said: “We’ve worked incredibly hard over the last few years since this planning application was submitted, and this is another important stage in the process.

“We are going to represent the community, which remains strongly opposed to having a gravel quarry so close to homes, schools and medical facilities. It has caused a great deal of worry and upset.

“Our research suggests this quarry would be closer to more homes, schools and community facilities than many similar sites elsewhere in the country. It is a worrying proposition for Hamble.”

Campaigners said a recent public meeting organised by Hamble Parish Council attracted around 300 residents, which they believe demonstrates the depth of local concern about the proposal.

Mrs Pyle added: “I think that is very representative of how the community feels. People do not want this development to go ahead and we are determined to continue fighting it.”

The proposed quarry at Hamble Airfield would allow the extraction of up to 1.7 million tonnes of sand and gravel at the site.

A decision is expected following the hearing, although the timing will be determined by the court.